More details are emerging about the reasons surrounding Corey Perry’s Blackhawks exit.
Perry, whose contract was set to be terminated after clearing waivers Wednesday, was allegedly involved in an “alcohol-fueled incident” that included Blackhawks employees and corporate sponsors, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported on the Daily Faceoff on Wednesday.
It was not clear when the incident occurred and who witnessed it, according to Seravalli, who previously worked for TSN.
On Tuesday, ESPN reported that an incident involving a team employee occurred one week ago on the day before the Blackhawks played the Blue Jackets.
Perry was scratched from the lineup for that game before eventually being cut by the team for what was called an “unacceptable” workplace incident.
The Post’s Larry Brooks reported that the NHLPA is looking into Perry’s situation and has 60 days to file a grievance once his contract is officially terminated.
“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,” the team said in a release Tuesday.
“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.”
Though the team has offered few details about what occurred, Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson shot down salacious rumors that circulated widely on social media.
“I do want to be very clear on this one point,” Davidson said Tuesday. “This does not involve any other players or their families and anyone that suggests otherwise is wildly inaccurate, and frankly, it’s disgusting.”
The GM, who added former Islanders forward Anthony Beauvillier in a trade with the Canucks after dumping Perry, added that it had been a tough day leading up to the decision to move on from the veteran.
“I think we went through the process as quickly as we could in order to run a responsible investigation,” Davidson added Tuesday. “To be honest, over the last 24 hours, what’s gone on has been very disturbing and I feel like I’m wearing it. I’m carrying it. It’s tough to see.”
Perry, acquired by the Blackhawks in a trade with the Lightning this offseason, had nine points in 16 games this year.
He had not dressed for a game since Nov. 19.
The 19-year NHLer won the Hart Trophy for the 2010-11 season as the league’s most valuable player.