Corey Perry is back, but what did he do and why is he in Edmonton?

It has been nearly three months since Corey Perry was surreptitiously dumped by the Chicago Blackhawks under a cloud of rumors and confusion. But what exactly happened and why is he now in Edmonton?

Perry was set to play against the Columbus Blue Jackets on the 22nd of November, 2023, when out of nowhere he was removed from the squad and forced to sit.

Less than a week later, Perry’s contract with the Blackhawks was terminated, per ESPN he had been placed on “unconditional waivers”.

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The Blackhawks organization was secretive but firm when speaking about Perry’s sudden contract termination, stating it was due to, “a workplace matter”. Or at least that is how it was phrased by Chicago’s GM Kyle Davidson.

After Perry was waived, Blackhawks forward Nick Foligno told reporters, “We all care about Corey, but we understand that there’s a standard we’re going to be held to and we all have to understand that and push forward.”

The Blackhawks released a further statement stating Perry had acted unacceptably and violated policies that were “intended to promote professional and safe work environments,” per reporting by ESPN.

Frank Seravalli of the Daily FaceOff heard rumors Perry had been involved in an “alcohol-fuelled incident,” per Marca.

Seravalli also reported the incident occurred during a team event “that included corporate partners and team employees in attendance.”

Emily Kaplan of ESPN reported the incident involved a team employee but no further detail was given. The Daily Mail reported the incident relates to a supposed relationship between Perry and another player's mother, something which has been denied by all involved.  

Two days after his release, Perry released a statement on X, in which he confessed to substance abuse issues and apologized to the Blackhawks and his teammates.

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In Perry’s own words, “I have started working with experts in the mental health and substance abuse fields to discuss my struggles with alcohol, and I will take whatever steps necessary to ensure this never happens again. I hope to regain the trust and respect of everyone who has believed in me throughout my career.”

It took only two months for Perry to sign with another team in the NHL, with the Edmonton Oilers signing the veteran to a league minimum of $775,000 for the remainder of the season.

Following Perry’s contract termination, he and the NHL Player’s Association had until late January to file a grievance against the Blackhawks, as Perry believes the Blackhawks had no ground to terminate his contract, according to reports by the Chicago Suntimes. That deadline has now been extended as the NHLPA has, “threatened” to file a grievance, per NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly.

Perry made his debut for the Oilers on the 27th of January against the Nashville Predators and has since been part of the Oilers' third line as they rise toward the top of the Pacific Division.

Perry was asked by reporters if he still had what it takes, and his response was, “I think so. That compete level never leaves. When you get on the ice, it doesn't really matter where you are playing, you are trying to win,” per The Hockey News.

Given the rumors circulating around what happened to cause Perry’s contract termination and the potential grievance still to come, it feels like this story is far from over for all parties involved.

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