One of the new faces on the Edmonton Oilers organization is trying to file a grievance with his former team.
During his media availability on Friday during the NHL All-Star weekend, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman revealed that Oiler forward Corey Perry has a grievance pending with the Chicago Blackhawks over his contract being terminated back on Nov. 30. However, it has yet to be filed.
Bettman said that Perry believes the Blackhawks did not have proper grounds to terminate his contract.
Per the CBA, the player, or the National Hockey League Players’ Association, has 60 days to file a grievance. The league and the NHLPA agreed to extend the deadline for Perry to file, as the previous deadline was last week.
The league supports Chicago’s decision to terminate Perry’s contract, while deputy commissioner Bill Daly indicated during the press conference that the union wants to appeal the decision.
Perry’s contract was terminated following an alcohol-fueled incident that included both team employees and corporate partners. The 38-year-old was just 16 games into his tenure with the Blackhawks.
Perry admitted he had been struggling his mental health, and battling alcoholism. He said he took steps in order to seek treatment to help himself.
He was signed to a one-year deal with the Oilers on Jan. 22. So far, Perry has played just one game with Edmonton, playing under 13 minutes on Jan. 27 against the Nashville Predators.
The Oilers (29-15-1), who are currently third in the Pacific Division, will return to action after the break next Tuesday, as they look to extend their 16-game win streak against the Vegas Golden Knights.
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