Corey Perry opens up on reasons for leaving his former team

"That was a tough conversation. I remember being in Toronto with my wife and going to dinner with my agents and, you know, they told me the news right at dinner. They wanted to do it face-to-face. They wanted to tell me before, you know. The word got out and it started circulating, and it got back to me, you know. It's tough to hear those words. It's a kick to your ego: a kick to your character, but, you know, at the end of the day everybody knows this place is a business- that what we're doing is a business, and, you know, they decided to go in a different way and at the end of the day, it's probably helped my career, you know, to say the least. That's probably why I'm still playing. If I stayed in Anaheim, I don't think I'd still be playing. I think I'd be retired and doing something else, so this has definitely, definitely been- you know it was tough hearing those words coming out of their mouth and hearing the news, and you know, it lit a fire under my a** and that's why I'm still going."

"After an internal investigation, the Chicago Blackhawks have determined that Corey Perry has engaged in conduct that is unacceptable, and in violation both of the terms of his Standard Player's Contract and the Blackhawks' internal policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments. As such, Corey Perry has been placed on unconditional waivers. In the event Mr. Perry clears waivers, we intend to terminate his contract effective immediately."

"They welcomed me with open arms. You know, I talked with Connor (McDavid) a little bit when I was going through everything of where to sign and, you know, doing some things. You know, it's- I didn't know Leon (Draisaitl), Leon it's unbelievable. You know, just everybody- everybody was welcoming, and, you know, I'm just- I just came in with an open mind and... and just did my thing and away we went."