Gary Bettman finally speaks on the “Corey Perry Situation” in Chicago

It's been nearly a week since veteran NHL forward Corey Perry released a statement following his contract termination from the Chicago Blackhawks and denied rumors that he had a relationship with Melanie Bedard, mother of former teammate Connor Bedard.

Read below for Perry's full statement:

"I would like to sincerely apologize to the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization, including ownership, management, coaches, trainers, employees, and my teammates. I would also like to apologize to my fans, and my family. I am embarrassed and I have let you all down."

"As a result of my actions, there has been speculation and rumors. I am sickened by the impact this has had on others, and I want to make it clear that in no way did this situation involve any of my teammates or their families. Most importantly, I want to directly apologize to those who have been negatively affected and I am sorry for the additional impact to others it has created. My behavior was inappropriate and wrong."

"I have started working with experts in the mental health and substance abuse fields to discuss my struggles with alcohol and I will take whatever steps necessary to ensure this never happens again. I hope to regain the trust and respect of everyone who has believed in my throughout my career."

"Once again, I am deeply sorry."

- Corey Perry

Since then, it's been reported and confirmed that Perry was dismissed from the team for inappropriate and unacceptable conduct, fueled by alcohol consumption. So, in other words, Perry got drunk and then did or said something stupid while in the presence of the team's employees and/or corporate partners. 

From NHL insider Frank Seravalli last week:

"According to sources, an alcohol-fueled incident involving Perry was alleged to have occurred during an event that included corporate partners and team employees in attendance."

- Frank Seravalli

It's one thing to get drunk and be an ass, it's quite another to do it at work and it looks like that's exactly what happened in this case.

So... what's next?

Perry didn't commit any crimes. No one was killed as a result of his actions and he has promised to improve himself through rehabilitation.

So... I ask again... what's next?

Does Corey Perry have a future in the NHL?

Today NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was asked after the entire situation and whether or not Perry would have to seek permission from Bettman before signing a new contract?

From NHL insiders Elliotte Friedman and Chris Johnston:

Personally, I'm not sure why Perry would ever need Bettman's permission, but Gary seems to have his hands in everything that the NHL does. Remember that former Blackhawks executives Joel Quenneville and Stan Bowman still haven't been granted permission from Bettman to return to the league following the Brad Aldrich scandal in 2021.