Settlement terms not released. A contrite Perry has moved on to Edmonton Oilers, but have the NHL, hockey cleaned up their acts?
Settlement terms not released. A contrite Perry has moved on to Edmonton Oilers, but have the NHL, hockey cleaned up their acts?
Had the Chicago Blackhawks not acknowledged workplace issues following the Brad Aldrich sexual assault coverup, Corey Perry might not have been released from the team in November, believes a source with knowledge of the situation and the culture surrounding NHL teams.
Perry's "alcohol fueled" behavior at a team function in November, while inappropriate by most modern workplace standards, was something that has gone on almost unchecked in the NHL and hockey for years the source said. Both past and current NHLers have engaged in similar or even more demonstrative behavior.
"That sort of thing still goes on," the source said. "I think teams and younger players are smartening up, but there's still a lot of old-school in hockey.
"On some teams there's pressure not to talk up or just turn your head the other way. It looks like Chicago is trying to change that after what's gone on there."
The Blackhawks have publicly committed to following a zero-tolerance policy on "inappropriate behavior" after it was revealed that Aldrich in 2010 sexually assaulted several Chicago prospects during the playoffs. A team-commissioned report by Chicago law firm Jenner & Block showed managers, led by former president John McDonough, delayed and tried to dismiss acting on assault claims by 2010 first-round draft pick Kyle Beach.
Another player from Chicago's 2010 "Black Aces" has come forward with similar claims against Aldrich. His complain is moving ahead, per a story by Phil Thompson in Friday's Chicago Tribune See our story from last fall in the link:
Still, Perry, the Blackhawks and the NHL Players Association reached a settlement this week to avert a grievance by the union over the team's termination of the forward on Nov. 28, 2023. Terms of the settlement are not being made public.
A team investigation concluded that the 38-year-old forward had committed "workplace misconduct" at an off-ice event in the days before he was abruptly scratched for a game at Columbus on Nov. 22.
HR Matter
Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said at a press conference on Nov. 28 that Perry's actions amounted to an HR matter, and did not involve law enforcement, or inappropriate interactions with teammates or their families.
Davidson also all-but admitted to inadequate due-diligence on Perry. See story:
Perry went on to sign a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Edmonton Oilers on Jan. 22, 2024. He resumed playing on Jan. 27 and has five goals and two assists in 20 games.
An NHL player whose contract is terminated has up to 60 days to file a grievance. As the deadline for Perry's case approached the NHLPA and NHL agreed to extend it.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said at the NHL All-Star break he had no issue with how the Blackhawks handled the case. Perry had met with Bettman in January after issuing an written apology for his behavior at the team function, saying it was "inappropriate and wrong."
The forward also said be would seek counsel on mental health and alcohol matters. He had never been banned from playing in the league and didn't need Bettman's approval to return.
Perry remained contrite after joining the Oilers.
"From where I was two months ago to where I am today, I think it's been a world of difference the help I've gotten and where I've come from," Perry said in January.
Davidson acquired Perry from Tampa Bay and signed him to a a one-year, $4 million contract in late June. Perry's presence came highly recommended by coach Luke Richardson, who liked how the veteran worked with young players in Montréal when Richardson was an assistant with the Canadiens.