Earlier today, Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson spoke with the media after the team announced veteran forward Corey Perry’s contract was being terminated because of a workplace issue. Davidson did not speak specifically about what happened, but was emphatic in putting disgusting rumors about Perry and other players’ families in their place.
Davidson was emotional speaking about the last couple days. Many in traditional media and on social media have been asking for more transparency🤡 from the organization surrounding a situation that was seemingly in limbo. Head coach Luke Richardson answered questiꦐons a few times with no answers and Davidson addressed the media briefly over the holiday weekend.
He said he felt that a lot of that weight has fallen squarely on his shoulders as the person who many expected to be the one answering questions and telling us — fans, media, the world — everything. There are issues that cannot be discussed because of the nature of the termination, and the timeline of Perry’s termination reflects both the internal investigation and the team needing to work in accordance with the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement to assure processes are fully completed.
The disappointment from Davidson brought his emotions back when he was asked about bringing Perry in specifically to be part of the leadership group that was supposed to help cultivate a new culture in the Blackhawks’ dressing room. He said the character that led to Perry’s termination was not consistent with what he had been told about the player before acquiring him in a trade from Tampa and signing him to a one-year, $4 million contract.
Davidson said the league and players asso🙈ciation were both aware of the circumstances involved. Neither h📖as commented on the situation.
This process showed us that the Blackhawks are intentional about making sure their processes and people are all right. Davidson took a chance on a veteran player he thought could help the room, and that ended up not being the case. When the accusations came to the organization while the team was in Columbus, they immediately removed Perry from the t🐻eam, initiated their investigation and, now, have sent him packing𒅌.
Six days might not be fast enough for some. We might not know enough for some. There will still be fans out there who want to know everything. Someday we might find something out. And, for some, the amount that Davidson shared on Tuesday afternoon will not be enough — still.
What we do know is a member of the Chicago Blackhawks — a prominent, veteran player — did something that was bad enough that a report was filed, and action was taken.
