Despite accepting full responsibility for the actions that led to the termination of his contract with the Chicago Blackhawks in November, Corey Perry is reportedly considering a contract grievance against the team.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman shared this information during his All-Star press conference, revealing that Perry believes the Blackhawks did not have the right to terminate his contract, though Bettman expressed no disagreement with the team's actions.
Deputy commissioner Bill Daly clarified that although a grievance has been threatened by Perry, it has not been officially filed. According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Perry and the NHLPA have a 60-day window to submit a formal grievance.
When Perry's contract was terminated, the statements from both Perry and the Blackhawks were vague about the details of the incident. Perry was reportedly dismissed from the team due to inappropriate and unacceptable conduct fueled by alcohol consumption.
Perry, now with the Edmonton Oilers after signing a one-year, $775,000 contract last month, addressed the situation during his first press conference as an Oiler. He expressed remorse, shared his efforts to seek help and take responsibility, and emphasized his commitment to self-improvement.
Bettman stated that he saw no issue with how the Blackhawks handled the situation, leaving uncertainty about whether Perry's threats will materialize into an actual grievance. Perry, who made his debut with the Oilers last Saturday, is yet to record a point in the one game he has played. In his 16 games with Chicago earlier in the season, he had four goals and five assists.
