The Daily: Corey Perry Mystery Deepens; Pacific Division Trade Talk

Very few people seem to know what caused the Chicago Blackhawks to waive Corey Perry for the purpose of terminating his contract. People who do know are not talking.

What we know is that somebody made up an ugly rumor about what Perry did. The Blackhawks said it is false, simply by saying  the situation “does not involve any (other) players or their families.”  The Blackhawks said the rumor was “disgusting.” Detroit Hockey Now will not repeat the rumor.

Here’s what the Blackhawks did say about Perry: “After an internal investigation, the Chicago Blackhawks have determined that Corey Perry has engaged in conduct that is unacceptable, and in violation both of the terms of his Standard Player’s Contract and the Blackhawks’ internal policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments. As such, Corey Perry has been placed on unconditional waivers. In the event Mr. Perry clears waivers, we intend to terminate his contract effective immediately.”

Nate Brown of Chicago Hockey Now talked to Perry’s former teammate Nick Foligno after Chicago’s 4-3 loss to the Seattle Kraken. Foligno used the word “stunned” to describe player reaction.

“It’s not a normal day and it’s not easy on any of us,” Foligno said. “It’s a hard day. But I’m really proud of the guys for channeling–you can’t control some things, right? That’s what we had to understand. A lot of that is out of our control–we don’t even know what’s going on–we don’t have all the details. We came here to work and get a job done. It shows growth and shows maturity.”

We have not heard the last of this story. Not even close. Perry has the right to appeal. At some point, the story will leak out.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Per NHL tradition, Daniel Sprong is allowing Patrick Kane to have his No. 88. That often occurs when a “name” player with an established number is traded.  Usually the star reciprocates with a token payment or gift. Sprong made it clear he didn’t want anything. He said the number is Kane’s “trademark.”
• Captain Dylan Larkin won’t play for the Red Wings tonight against the New York Rangers. Defenseman Justin Holl is also iffy.
• Bob Duff writes what it means for Kane and Alex DeBrincat to be reunited.
• The Red Wings’ decision to sign Patrick Kane shows management has faith in this team.

Red Wings Next Game

The Red Wings play the New York Rangers at Madison Square tonight at 7:30. (TNT) Jonatan Berggren was recalled from the Grand Rapids to take Larkin’s spot in the lineup. Berggren has 11 points in 11 games for the Griffins. The Red Wings lost 5-3 to the Rangers at MSG on Nov. 7.

Detroit Hockey Now

Boston: Jimmy Murphy writes that the slumping Boston Bruins are looking for a defenseman in the NHL trade market.

Calgary: Trevor Neufeld of Calgary Hockey Now offers a trade needs round-up for all of the teams in the Pacific Division. Calgary Flames. 

Florida: The Florida Panthers lost a point against Toronto after a bizarre ending to a shootout. They lost after they thought the game was over.

Montreal: Carey Price is serving as a mentor for the stars of tomorrow. Montreal Canadiens.

Pittsburgh: There was plenty of outrage in the Pittsburgh Penguins dressing room because of a non-call in overtime. The Penguins lost 3-2 in OT to Nashville.