Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson gives little detail into reason behind contract termination of Corey Perry… calling it a ‘workplace matter’ that did not involve players or their families

Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson revealed few details at a news conference after the team waived veteran forward Corey Perry and terminated his contract on Tuesday.

Davidson was adamant in telling the public that the actions leading to Perry’s cutting did not involve other Blackhawks players or their families, following rampant speculation on social media.

“Anyone who suggests otherwise is wildly inaccurate and, quite frankly, disgusting,” Davidson said in his opening statement.

The GM was asked if the lack of details surrounding Corey Perry’s situation was responsible for fueling this speculation.

“The last 24 hours have been very disturbing,” said an emotional Davidson. ‘And I feel like I’m wearing it. I’ll wear that.’

Perry was cleared by Chicago due to contract termination after an internal investigation found he participated in “unacceptable” conduct that violated his deal with the Blackhawks

These words were spoken at the end of a brief press conference in which Davidson repeatedly chose not to reveal significant details about what was deemed a “workplace matter” by the Blackhawks.

Davidson has been tasked with rebuilding not only the Blackhawks roster and on-ice success, but also a team culture that has been rotten for years. Chicago has been plagued by scandals involving players reportedly fraternizing with teammates’ wives as well as a cover-up of a sex abuse scandal that was swept under the rug in the name of a Stanley Cup.

As part of building that “culture of accountability,” Davidson said that once the organization was made aware of possible misconduct, the team pulled him from a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

According to ESPNPerry traveled to Columbus with the Blackhawks last Tuesday, a day before the game, and an incident involving a “team employee” occurred that day.

He was then “immediately removed from the game” after Chicago was notified before an investigation was launched.

Part of Davidson’s culture reboot was a commitment to transparency — something he repeatedly failed to do during this press conference.

When Davidson was asked specifically about the transparency of this matter, he responded, “I just can’t get into the details because it’s an individual personnel matter.”

When questions were asked about whether police were involved and whether there was criminality, Davidson called it a “workplace matter” or an “employee matter.”

Davidson also said he “wouldn’t go into further detail” when asked if the incident involved any other staff member of the “Hawks organization.”

He also told reporters that he informed the team today of the decision to waive Perry, adding that they have no details about what happened.

Perry was brought in to serve as a leader and role model for the young Blackhawks core

Davidson appeared visibly shaken by the situation and calmed himself down before calling the process “very tough.”

He added that this dilemma “more than anything else reinforces the determination we have to change the culture and make sure we do the right things and uphold our values.”

Perry was acquired via trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning and signed to a one-year contract worth $4 million in the offseason.

The 38-year-old was retained in hopes he would be a leader for the Blackhawks’ young core – including No. 1 overall pick Connor Bedard.

Davidson said Perry’s behavior was “certainly inconsistent with the background we were given” and added that his actions, despite being named deputy captain, added “another layer” to the dilemma.

The GM added that it was unclear whether they would pass the ‘A’ – alternate captaincy – to another player now that Perry was no longer on the team.