The Chicago Blackhawks waived veteran forward Corey Perry on Tuesday because of undisclosed misconduct, the team said.
“After an internal investigation, the Chicago Blackhawks have determined that Corey Perry has engaged in conduct that is unacceptable, and in violation of both the terms of his Standard Player’s Contract and the Blackhawks’ internal policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments,” a team statement said. “As such, Corey Perry has been placed on unconditional waivers. In the event Mr. Perry clears waivers, we intend to terminate his contract effective immediately.”
General manager Kyle Davidson will have a news conference to address Perry’s situation at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
The Hawks traded with the Tampa Bay Lightning in June to acquire the 38-year-old Perry — in part for his veteran leadership — and he agreed to a one-year, $4 million contract.
After he practiced with the team Nov. 21 at Fifth Third Arena, Perry was a surprise healthy scratch the next day for a road game against the Columbus Blue Jackets and has been away from the team for the two games since then.
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Davidson said Saturday that Perry would be away from the team for the foreseeable future.
“It’s been a team decision so far to hold him out, and that’s about all I’m able to provide,” Davidson said, according to the Associated Press.
Perry’s agent, Pat Morris, said in a statement Saturday that the forward had stepped away from the team “to attend to personal matters.”
The absence of details has led to rampant speculation and rumors about what led to such a sudden parting of ways between Perry and the Hawks.
Perry recorded four goals and five assists in 16 games for the Hawks, his fifth NHL team in 19 seasons.