Corey Perry details the help he's received

Unless you've been living in a cave on the moon with your hands covering your ears and eyes closed, you heard the news several weeks ago that the Chicago Blackhawks terminated the contract of veteran forward Corey Perry for unacceptable work conduct with an unnamed team employee. 

Of course, there were also completely unfounded rumors that he was having an illicit affair with the mother of young forward Connor Bedard, which both he and Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson have vehemently denied. 

Following a recent meeting with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Perry was reinstated and allowed to sign a contract. And while he had reportedly a handful of suitors, the Edmonton Oilers secured his services with a one-year contract that includes several performance bonuses. 

During his introductory press conference, Perry detailed the help that he promised to receive upon his contract being terminated with the Blackhawks for alcohol abuse, and says that where he is today as opposed to his time in Chicago is "a world of difference". 

“I really had a chance to reflect and get the help and take full responsibility for what happened in Chicago and try to better myself,” Perry said. “From where I was two months ago to where I am today, it’s been a world of difference — the help I’ve gotten and from where I’ve come from.”

It's hard not to pay attention to the run that the Oilers have been on, winning 13 straight games to set not only a new franchise record but a Canadian NHL team record for consecutive wins. 

“When you have a 6-year-old kid and you have Connor McDavid on the team, you kind of follow the Edmonton Oilers,” Perry said. “This team’s going in the right direction and not just because they’ve won 13 games in a row, but you can see where they’re going and their mindset and the vision they have that they want to win a Stanley Cup here.”

Perry will make his debut with the Oilers tomorrow night at Rogers Place when he and his new teammates host the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets.

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