Corey Perry was fitting in great with the Blackhawks since signing a one-year, $4 million contract last summer. Perry celebrates a goal at Nashville on Saturday. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAyNDMzMTkzNTQ1MDQ5MTAw/usatsi_21928001_168401008_lowres.jpg] Perry celebrates a goal at Nashville on Saturday. Then, poof. The 38-year-old forward disappeared. Perry was a last-minute scratch before Chicago's 7-3 loss at Columbus on Wednesday, then absent from practice on Thursday. The 2010-11 Hart Trophy winner's status heading into Friday afternoon's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs was unknown. The Blackhawks, who have lost five straight, didn't explain why. "We're going to keep that internal in the organization right now," coach Luke Richardson said Thursday."I'm unable to answer any more questions on that." See following video. Luke Richardson can't say much on Corey Perry's absence. The Blackhawks 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. Along with the now-injured Taylor 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. The lanky London, Ontario resident was delivering points too. Through 16 games of his 19th NHL season, Perry had four goals and five assists. It's unknown whether Perry violated a team policy, is on the trading block or is dealing with personal issues. 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. "That's pro sports," Richardson said when asked if he could give any hint about Perry's absence. "There are injuries. There are other circumstance why. Family issues, there's sickness." MRAZEK ALSO HELD OUT OF PRACTICE Goalie Petr Mrazek also didn't practice on Thursday, the morning after being roughed up for the Blue Jackets' first five goals in Chicago 7-3 loss at Columbus. Richardson said Mrazek's rest had been scheduled and Arvid Söderblom would start on Friday against Toronto.
