Corey Perry can sign new NHL contract

Unrestricted free agent forward Corey Perry is now eligible to sign with other teams. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman first reported that, following a meeting with league commissioner Gary Bettman, Perry has been granted eligibility to sign as a free agent with a team, other than the Chicago Blackhawks, who terminated his one-year, $4 million contract at the end of November 2023.

He would need to sign by the March 8 trade deadline in order to be eligible for this year's playoffs.

It was quite a messy ordeal when 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. Perry was reportedly dismissed from the team for inappropriate and unacceptable conduct, fueled by alcohol consumption.

In his statement, he announced that he would focus on his mental health and substance abuse issues, before considering a return to the NHL.

There is no doubt that Perry could eventually make a return with another team, however, there are a lot of things to iron out before he should consider coming back.

He could however be a great addition to any team and as we get closer to the postseason, there is a sense that a contender could jump on the opportunity to add some grit and leadership to its roster.

Perry had four goals and five assists in 16 games this season, his first in Chicago.

Could he be back in an NHL uniform sooner than we thought?

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