Corey Perry alludes to future in the NHL following alcohol-fuelled incident that led to termination

For the first time since the beginning of the Corey Perry saga, fans heard from the man himself on Thursday as he released a statement and took full responsibility for his actions.

“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,” Perry wrote.

When the Blackhawks terminate his his one-year, $4 million contract on Wednesday, Perry became a free agent and Chris Johnston looked into his statement to see where his focus is when it comes to his future in the NHL.

Despite being an unrestricted free agent and not looking to rejoin with the Blackhawks in the future, Perry is believed to be solely focused on his recovery and his family and Johnston explained on last night’s edition of Insider Trading on TSN:

“Very clear that Corey Perry is starting to take steps to take ownership for his actions and it’s a statement that speaks for itself, but at this point and time, while he is a free agent and obviously free to talk to any hockey teams, that’s not at all his focus. His focus is on getting treatment as he mentions for his mental health and alcohol abuse struggles and to focus on his family at this point and time. The only real decision, I guess, in front of Corey Perry in the immediate term and his advisors is whether or not he files a grievance against the Blackhawks for the termination of his contract. But, if that were to happen, and that remains an if, that would really just be about recouping the money on that contract, not about returning to Chicago as a player.”

When it comes to the disturbing rumours involving rookie star Connor Bedard and his mother Melanie, Perry denied the ridiculous allegations in his statement. Though he did not name his young teammate, the story was trending so much on social media lately that he did not need to.

“As a result of my actions, there has been speculation and rumours. 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 behaviour was inappropriate and wrong.”

Perry now turns to getting help for his mental health and alcohol abuse issues.

His rights were acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning this summer and he signed his current one-year, $4-million contract with the Blackhawks soon after. He had four goals and five assists in 16 games this season, his first in Chicago.

Now is hopefully for him and his family, the start of a new chapter.

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