Concern arises for Connor Bedard amidst Corey Perry's termination

On Tuesday, the Chicago Blackhawks placed veteran Corey Perry on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract. During the team’s press conference later that same day, general manager Kyle Davidson said the incident in question was not a criminal one, and made sure to put an end to all of the Connor Bedard’s mother rumours, stating that no other players or their families were involved, despite speculation to the contrary.

The GM added that anyone who suggests otherwise is “wildly inaccurate” and “frankly, disgusting.”

Chatter emerged as soon as Perry last played for the Blackhawks on Nov. 19 against the Buffalo Sabres . The veteran forward was a healthy scratch on Nov. 22 against the Columbus Blue Jackets for what the team described as an “organizational decision.” It fueled rumours that, following the team’s trip with players’ mothers, Perry had been involved with teammate Connor Bedard’s mother Melanie. It did not take long for the story to get off the rails especially since Perry hasn’t played or practised with the team since.

However, Davidson said he learned of the matter while the team was in Columbus and that it is a workplace matter.

Fans and pundits are however worried about the impact of the rumour going around for days on the poor Bedard, who is focused on his first season in the NHL as the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

This is not the kind of pressure an 18-year-old can get ready for when emerging at the future face of the league.

With 20 games under his belt, Bedard is still finding his adjustments in the league, though he has put up 10 goals and seven assists through almost two months into his first season.

The amount of pressure of his shoulders has been insane and there is no way it is fair for him to have to deal with this messy rumour involving his mother and former teammate Perry. While the talk didn’t hold much weight, many ran with it on social media and I just fear it will be trending for a while.

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