Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson Chokes Up While Discussing Corey Perry "Termination"

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said the decision to place Corey Perry on  unconditional waivers Tuesday, and then terminate the 38-year-old forward's employment, was strictly an "internal personnel matter."

Perry cleared waivers on Wednesday. He's a free agent, but the NHL Players' Association also has 60-days to file a grievance on his behalf. 

There's still a lot of mystery over Chicago's abrupt release of the 19-year NHL veteran who was acquired to set an example for the rebuilding team's bevy of younger players.

Davidson addressed media before Chicago's game with Seattle. 

Earlier on Tuesday the team said in a statement an internal investigation had determined Perry had engaged in "conduct that is unacceptable and in violation of both the Standard Player's Contract and the Blackhawks' internal policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments."

Published reports from journalism-based media sources say Perry was involved in "an incident" with a team employee. Team management became aware of it last week before the Blackhawks 7-3 loss in Columbus.

Davidson confirmed law enforcement was not involved and Perry's actions were not criminal.

Yet the NHL's youngest GM choked up and seemed to be fighting back tears.

Davidson did say, however, that whatever Perry did "certainly didn't mesh with the background we received.

"To be honest, I think over the last 24 hours, what’s gone on has been very disturbing and I feel like I’m wearing it," he added. "I’m carrying that. It’s just tough to see."

Refutes Rumors

But in a rebuke to unfounded rumors on social media, Davidson was clear.

"This does not involve any players or their families," he said. "And anything that suggests otherwise, or anyone that suggests otherwise, is wildly inaccurate and frankly it’s disgusting."

Players Informed

Davidson said he met with other Blackhawks players on Tuesday to update them on the team's decision to release Perry. 

However, players were not informed about what Perry did. "They don't have any details at all," Davidson said.

Chicago signed the forward to a one-year, $4 million contract on June 30 after acquiring his rights from Tampa Bay. 

Perry seemingly had been fitting in well with the Blackhawks and the lanky London, Ontario was performing on the ice. He had four goals and five assists in 16 games.

Davidson expected other veterans to pick up the slack.

"I’m very confident in the locker room and their resilience," Davidson said. "Obviously it’s a tough day but we’ll continue to communicate with the players and we’ll go forward.

History of the Perry Affair 

Perry was a sudden healthy scratch last Wednesday at Columbus. Davidson said management and coaches learned of Perry's issue shortly before the game.

Davidson said on Saturday that Perry would be away from the team for the "foreseeable future" and that it was a "team decision."

Over the weekend Perry's agent, Pat Morris, said in a statement that his client had stepped away to attend to personal matters.