Report: Perry eligible for return after Bettman meeting

Corey Perry is eligible to return to the NHL after meeting with commissioner Gary Bettman on Tuesday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports.

Perry had his one-year, $4-million contract terminated by the Chicago Blackhawks on Nov. 30 after an internal investigation found he “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 is an unrestricted free agent and is now free to sign with other teams. To be eligible for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Perry must sign by the March 8 trade deadline.

Perry requested the meeting with Bettman, according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun. The veteran winger hadn’t been officially barred from playing by the commissioner.

Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson didn’t divulge what occurred to the team or the media in the aftermath of Perry’s dismissal but refuted rumors that were being spread online.

Perry released a statement after his termination in which he noted that he had begun working with mental health and substance abuse experts.

In 16 games with the Blackhawks, Perry accumulated four goals and nine points.

A veteran of 1,273 games, Perry has racked up 421 goals and 892 points in his NHL career, most notably with the Anaheim Ducks. He won the Hart and Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies in 2010-11 with 50 goals and 98 points.

Perry won the Stanley Cup in 2007 as a sophomore. More recently, he played in three consecutive finals with three different teams from 2020-22, losing each. Perry’s 196 career postseason games are the most among active players.