Corey Perry’s situation is about to get messier…

Weeks have gone by since 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. From the start, the situation was messy and we came to find out that Perry is seeking treatment for his mental health and substance abuse and wants to focus on his recovery and his family.

However, it sounds like the NHLPA might want him to get involved again in the controversial incident. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports that the NHLPA is still looking into the situation surrounding Perry’s contract termination. This could get messier if the NHLPA wants to argue against his departure because they can do so even if Perry isn’t on board. This is how

Friedman explains it in his latest 32 Thoughts column:

“I’ve written before that the NHLPA did not contest Patrik Berglund’s contract termination from Buffalo in 2018 because the player wanted no part of it. Don’t know what Corey Perry ’s decision will be, but there definitely is a push for the union to grieve even if Perry declines. I don’t know exact details and have no desire to minimize anything, but there are strong feelings the NHLPA cannot allow this precedent.

"Another option would be a one-time “carve-out” that Perry’s case/reason for termination will have no bearing on any other situation. (Of course, the league would need to agree.) That has happened before with things like contract timelines during COVID and what is allowed during summer on-ice workouts, but this would be much higher stakes.”

If Perry isn’t interested in getting involved, I don’t get why the NHLPA would go against his wishes… They are supposed to work with and for the player!

Friedman compares the situation to Patrik Berglund’s contract termination by Buffalo in 2018. However then, the NHLPA never pushed forward because the player chose not to be involved.

When it comes to Perry, Friedman believes the prevailing sentiment that the NHLPA must resist setting a precedent in this matter could sway the association to move forward, even if Perry wants nothing to do with it…

I’m starting to feel a bit for the poor guy, who probably wants that saga left alone and focused on his future.

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