According to a person with knowledge of the discussion, Corey Perry met with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman this week and remains eligible to sign with any team.
The individual talked to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity on Wednesday because the private conversation had nothing to do with Perry’s eligibility.
Perry requested the meeting six weeks after Chicago terminated his contract due to inappropriate behavior. Since becoming a free agent, he has never been banned or prevented from signing with any of the league’s other 31 teams.
Messages left with Perry’s representative, Pat Morris, seeking comment were not responded immediately.
Chicago placed Perry on unconditional waivers before terminating his $4 million US contract for this season, citing violations of his Standard Player Contract and club standards “intended to promote professional and safe work environments.” Chicago did not go into greater detail about what Perry did, other than to say that it was a workplace matter that did not involve police enforcement.
Perry stated that after his release, he began consulting with mental health and substance misuse experts to treat his alcoholism. Perry apologized to the organization, teammates, coaches, fans, and his family in an email to multiple media sites, adding, “I am embarrassed, and I have let you all down.”
The Peterborough, Ontario, native was in his 19th NHL season and sixth franchise, having previously played for Anaheim, Dallas, Montreal, and Tampa Bay. He won the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2006 and was named MVP that season after leading the league in goals.
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