Another NHL team forced to cut ties with core member amidst controversy

It's been nearly a two weeks since veteran NHL forward Corey Perry released a statement following his contract termination from the Chicago Blackhawks and denied rumors that he had a relationship with Melanie Bedard, mother of former teammate Connor Bedard.

Read below for Perry's full statement:

"I would like to sincerely apologize to the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization, including ownership, management, coaches, trainers, employees, and my teammates. I would also like to apologize to my fans, and my family. I am embarrassed and I have let you all down."

"As a result of my actions, there has been speculation and rumors. I am sickened by the impact this has had on others, and I want to make it clear that in no way did this situation involve any of my teammates or their families. Most importantly, I want to directly apologize to those who have been negatively affected and I am sorry for the additional impact to others it has created. My behavior was inappropriate and wrong."

"I have started working with experts in the mental health and substance abuse fields to discuss my struggles with alcohol and I will take whatever steps necessary to ensure this never happens again. I hope to regain the trust and respect of everyone who has believed in my throughout my career."

"Once again, I am deeply sorry."

- Corey Perry

Since then, it's been reported and confirmed that Perry was dismissed from the team for inappropriate and unacceptable conduct, fueled by alcohol consumption. So, in other words, Perry got drunk and then did or said something stupid while in the presence of the team's employees and/or corporate partners. 

From NHL insider Frank Seravalli last week:

"According to sources, an alcohol-fueled incident involving Perry was alleged to have occurred during an event that included corporate partners and team employees in attendance."

- Frank Seravalli

It appears now that we may have a similar situation playing out in Minnesota.

While it don't yet know exactly what has transpired, the Minnesota Wild have abruptly parted ways with assistant GM Chris O'Hearn. Wild insider Michael Russo broke the story yesterday and has been somewhat cryptic in his description of what exactly happened between O'Hearn and the team. O'Hearn has been GM Bill Guerin's right hand man since 2019 and, by all accounts, the pair shared a close personal and professional relationship.

We can only speculate as to the reasons by O'Hearn was so hastily dismissed by the club, but it's clear that something happened that necessitated such an abrupt change. Stay tuned for details as they become available.