Corey Perry not divulging details on Blackhawks exit after joining Oilers

Corey Perry isn’t looking back.

The winger, who agreed to terms with the Oilers over the weekend, declined to discuss the incident that got his contract terminated by the Blackhawks earlier this season when he was introduced by Edmonton on Monday.

“I really had a chance to reflect and get the help and take full responsibility for what happened in Chicago and try to better myself,” Perry told reporters. “From where I was two months ago to where I am today, it’s been a world of difference — the help I’ve gotten and from where I’ve come from.”

Perry’s one-year deal in Chicago was ended prematurely in November after the team investigated the mysterious incident, which the team deemed violated policies “intended to promote professional and safe work environments.”

Now, the 38-year-old is back in the NHL — after seeking counseling for alcohol abuse — on a pro-rated $775,000 contract for the remainder of the season.

Corey Perry #90 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on at his first practice with his new team at Rogers Place. NHLI via Getty Images

“When everything happened and my contract was terminated, I didn’t know where things were going to go, so at first I took care of myself,” Perry said. “That was at the front of it is take care of yourself, get yourself in a better position and move on from there.”

He joins a red-hot Oilers team that has won 13 games in a row and is 23-6 since firing coach Jay Woodcroft.

Edmonton is led by superstar forward Connor McDavid (59 points in 40 games) and Leon Draisaitl (50 points in 42 games), who rank ninth and 16th in league scoring just past the halfway point of the season.

Corey Perry #90 of the Edmonton Oilers practices for the first time with his new team at Rogers Place. NHLI via Getty Images

“When you have a 6-year-old kid and you have Connor McDavid on the team, you kind of follow the Edmonton Oilers,” Perry said. “This team’s going in the right direction and not just because they’ve won 13 games in a row, but you can see where they’re going and their mindset and the vision they have that they want to win a Stanley Cup here.”

GM Ken Holland was happy to add Perry, a Cup champ, former MVP and two-time Olympic gold medalist in his 19th NHL season after speaking with Chicago counterpart Kyle Davidson.

“You’re trying to make the team better,” Holland said. “We’re adding a player that, in my opinion, plays playoff hockey: greasy, gritty, dirty, heavy on the puck down low.”

Blackhawks right wing Corey Perry (94) points to the crowd after scoring a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

He’s expected to make his debut with the team on Saturday against Nashville as the Oilers work toward their first Stanley Cup since 1990.

Perry posted four goals and nine points in 16 games before his unceremonious exit from Chicago.