NHL Rumors: Corey Perry, Oilers Agree to Contract After Blackhawks Exit

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The Edmonton Oilers plan to sign veteran forward Corey Perry to a new contract, according to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta.

Perry last played in the NHL on November 19. He was then placed on waivers, where he went unclaimed before his contract was terminated by the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks said an internal investigation had determined Perry “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 38-year-old was playing on a one-year, $4 million contract in Chicago.

Perry was skating just over 14 minutes per night with the Blackhawks prior to his termination. He had four goals and five assists in 16 games.

TSN’s Frank Seravalli reported that no deal has yet been completed between the Oilers and Perry, although he added that things are “certainly trending” in that direction.

The Florida Panthers, New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning have also expressed interest in acquiring Perry, Seravalli said.

It is likely Perry will take a significant pay cut with his next contract, with Seravalli projecting the veteran’s next deal to end up somewhere near the league minimum of $750,000.

In a statement shared following the termination of his contract, Perry said his “behavior was inappropriate and wrong.”

“I have started working with experts in the mental health and substance abuse fields to discuss my struggles with alcohol and I will take whatever steps necessary to ensure this never happens again,” Perry wrote.

“I hope to regain the trust and respect of everyone who has believed in me throughout my career,” he added.

Perry, who Seravalli said “has been skating and training” in hopes of getting back into game shape, met with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman the week of Jan. 10, according to the Associated Press’ Stephen Whyno.

Perry is in his 19th season in the NHL. After 14 years with in Anaheim, where he helped the Ducks win a Stanley Cup in 2007, he had bounced around to the Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens and Lightning before signing with the Blackhawks in June.

If the veteran forward rejoins the NHL, he will regain the total of the most-penalized active player in the league with 1,392 PIM in 1,273 career games.

Perry is also eight points away from becoming the 16th active NHL player to cross the 900-point threshold.