Corey Perry’s Blackhawks waiving comes after incident with team employee

The beginning of the end of Corey Perry’s time with the Blackhawks came after an incident last week before a matchup with the Blue Jackets, according to a new report. 

Perry, who was waived by Chicago on Tuesday for “unacceptable” behavior, traveled to Columbus one week ago — a day before the Blackhawks’ road matchup Blue Jackets — when an incident with a team employee occurred, according to ESPN.

It’s unclear where the reported incident took place.

The Blackhawks then began an investigation once they were notified of what occurred.

The report marks the first insight into what led to Perry’s mysterious absence before the Blackhawks’ decision to waive his contract with the intention of terminating it. 

The lack of information led to wild speculation and salacious rumors spreading on social media, which were shut down by both the team and NHL reporters alike. 

Corey Perry was waived by the Blackhawks on Tuesday. AP

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson did not disclose the details of the findings of the internal investigation but told reporters during a news conference Tuesday that Perry was “immediately pulled from the game” last Wednesday after management had become aware of the situation, which the GM called a “workplace matter.” 

Perry was a scratch for the 7-3 loss to Columbus.

Davidson added that Blackhawks players were notified Tuesday to make them aware of the organization’s decision to cut ties with Perry but did say that players did not know any of the details of what had occurred with their now-former teammate. 

“I think over the last 24 hours, what’s gone on has been very disturbing,” Davidson said. “And I feel like I’m wearing it. I’m carrying that. It’s just tough to see.” 

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson addresses the media on Tuesday in Chicago. AP

Amid Tuesday’s announcement, the Blackhawks defeated the Seattle Kraken, 4-3, at the United Center. 

Forward Nick Foligno said after the win that the team was stunned by the news, reiterating that players didn’t know the details of what led to the organization’s decision. 

“Kyle just told us that they’d be terminating his contract and there’s a standard in this room, and we all adhere to it,” Foligno told reporters in a media scum after the game. “And they believe strongly in making sure that’s understood by all of us. It’s a hard day and nobody wants to hear that news. 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.”

Perry appeared in 16 games for the Blackhawks this season, recording four goals and five assists.