Corey Perry gets dealt another piece of horrible news

Amid the official announcement, baseless rumors circulated, implying an inappropriate relationship between Perry and the mother of young forward Connor Bedard. Both Perry and Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson have adamantly denied these unfounded claims.

Currently a free agent, Perry is open to signing with any NHL club willing to take a chance on him. However, his situation with the Blackhawks may not be fully resolved.

According to Chris Johnston of The Athletic, Perry could find himself owing a substantial sum to the Blackhawks due to the structure of his contract, which included a significant signing bonus relative to his playing time.

Perry has a 60-day window to decide whether to file a grievance via the NHL Players' Association. This move, if pursued, would aim to safeguard his earning potential, considering the financial intricacies of his contract.

Perry is entitled to retain approximately $1 million of his $4 million salary, having spent around 25 percent of the season on the Blackhawks roster before the contract termination. This arrangement implies a potential financial obligation back to the organization due to a $2 million signing bonus received in the summer.

Over the weekend, Perry's name surfaced in trade rumors involving the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers. Both teams could benefit from Perry's veteran experience, provided he addresses his off-ice challenges. Perry has expressed a commitment to working with mental health and substance abuse specialists.

As the situation unfolds, Perry's future in the NHL remains uncertain, with financial considerations and team dynamics playing pivotal roles in shaping the next chapter of his career.