GM Kyle Davidson: Veteran forward has been scratched from games, not in practice since Wednesday per team decision. Taylor Hall to have right ACL surgery on Monday. Story with videos.
Chicago Blackhawks forward Corey Perry will be away from the team for the "foreseeable future," general manager Kyle Davidson said Saturday.
Davidson spoke to reporters before the team's practice about the 38-year-old who signed a one-year, $4 million contract last summer. The GM added this is a "team decision."
Davidson also said forward Taylor Hall, already ruled out for the rest of the season with a right ACL injury, will have surgery on Monday in Minnesota to repair it. See the video.
Coach Luke Richardson also had reiterated Perry's absence was an organizational decision before Friday's 4-3 OT win over the Maple Leafs. Perry was a healthy scratch for the game, as well as one on Wednesday in Columbus. He didn't participate in Thursday's practice.
Perry's agent, Pat Morris of Newport Sports Management, issued a statement: "Corey Perry has stepped away from the Chicago Blackhawks to attend to personal matters. Corey and his family appreciate privacy at this time."
Still producing at 38...Veteran seemed to be doing well
Perry seemingly had been fitting in great with the Blackhawks and the lanky London, Ontario resident was delivering points as well as leadership. Through 16 games of his 19th NHL season, Perry has four goals and five assists.
Perry last was on the ice with Blackhawks in practice on Tuesday. He popped out to sign autographs for kids after the session. See video.
Davidson acquired the rights for Perry from Tampa Bay for a seventh-round 2023 draft pick on June 29, one day after making Connor Bedard the first pick overall in the NHL Draft. Perry signed on June 30.
Richardson appreciated what Perry was able to do for young players with Montréal in the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season when Richardson was an assistant coach for the Canadiens. That led to Chicago acquiring the forward.
Productive "old guy"Along with Hall and Nick Foligno, one of Perry's key roles was to provide leadership, experience and guidance for the youngsters on rebuilding Chicago's roster.
Despite the standard statement from Morris, it's not clear whether Perry violated a team policy, is on the trading block or is dealing with personal issues. An email to the National Hockey League Players' Association about the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program was not yet returned.
Perry was the 2010-11 Hart Trophy winner with Anaheim. He posted a career-high 50 goals and 98 points season.