Blackhawks’ Bedard on team waiving Perry: ‘It’s a tough situation’

Chicago Blackhawks phenom Connor Bedard addressed veteran forward Corey Perry being waived by the team for the first time on Friday.

The Blackhawks announced plans to cut ties with Perry, 38, on Tuesday, saying he had “engaged in conduct that is unacceptable.”

“Obviously it’s a tough situation,” Bedard said on Friday. “But I don’t need to speak on anything too much.”

The 18-year-old then expressed his concern for Perry and his family.

“Obviously what happened with Perry was serious,” Bedard said. “I think the first concern is that he’s OK, and his family are.

“It’s not great. But like I said, it’s out of my control and I don’t need to speak too much further on it.”

Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said it was a “workplace decision” to remove Perry from the team but declined to disclose any specifics about the incident that led to the move.

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Davidson did say that the Perry situation did not involve any other players or their families, calling any suggestion to the contrary “disgusting.” When asked for more specifics, he repeatedly said it was “an internal matter.”

The Blackhawks placed Perry on waivers six days after making the veteran forward a healthy scratch for undisclosed reasons.

Perry released a statement apologizing to the Blackhawks organization, his fans and his family on Thursday.

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

“As a result of my actions, there has been speculation and rumours. I am sickened by the impact this has had on others, and I want to make it clear that in no way did this 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 behaviour was inappropriate and wrong.”

Perry added he 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 me throughout my career.

“Once again, I am deeply sorry.”

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