Corey Perry breaks silence after Blackhawks terminate his contract

Corey Perry has broken his silence.

The Chicago Blackhawks terminated the 38-year-old’s one-year, $4 million contract on Tuesday due to “unacceptable conduct.” The veteran released the following statement on Thursday.

“I would like to sincerely apologize to the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization, including the owners, management, coaches, trainers, staff and my teammates. I would also like to apologize to my fans and family.

“I’m embarrassed and I let you all down. As a result of my actions, speculation and rumors arose. I am sickened by the impact this has had on others, and I want to make it clear that this situation in no way involves any of my teammates or their families.

“Most importantly, I want to apologize directly to those who have been negatively affected and I am sorry for the additional impact this has created on others. My behavior was inappropriate and wrong.”

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 9: Corey Perry #94 of the Chicago Blackhawks against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the game at Amalie Arena on November 9, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) — Corey Perry has broken his silence following the termination of his contract. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Although details of the situation are scarce, Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson clarified during a press conference Tuesday that Perry’s conduct was a “workplace” incident. According to Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff, the incident was “alcohol fueled” and took place on November 17 in Nashville during a team reception. The incident also involved a team employee, according to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan.

Although details remain under wraps, unfounded rumors of misconduct involving another player’s family have spread like wildfire on social media. Davidson – and later Perry – vehemently denied these rumors.

“This does not involve any players or their families, and anything that suggests otherwise, or anyone that suggests otherwise, is wildly inaccurate and frankly, it’s disgusting,” Davidson said during his press conference.

Davidson said Chicago players were not informed of the details of the incident, which defenseman Seth Jones confirmed.

“He’s a brother and we care about everyone in this room,” Jones told reporters on Tuesday, according to The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus. “We don’t have any details on what happened, but I know the organization wants to maintain a (level of) conduct here, and a place where we hold each other to a standard. I guess it was broken.”

Perry is a three-time All-Star, Stanley Cup champion and has 892 points in 1,273 games during his 19 NHL seasons.