Corey Perry to remain away from Blackhawks 'for the foreseeable future'

Corey Perry will remain away from the Chicago Blackhawks "for the foreseeable future," general manager Kyle Davidson told reporters on Saturday. Why and whose decision that is were not disclosed.

Although no further details were provided on the nature of the situation, Davidson said that it was the team's decision for Perry to be away from the Blackhawks.

Perry's agent, Pat Morris, then released a statement that read: "Corey Perry has stepped away from the Chicago Blackhawks to attend to personal matters. Corey and his family appreciate privacy at this time."

Davidson's comments come a day after Perry was scratched by the Blackhawks for the second game in a row.

"He's away from the team and will remain so for the foreseeable future," Davidson told reporters during a media availability on Saturday. "I'm unable to provide any further update on that front. ... It's been a team decision so far to hold him out, and that's all I'm able to provide. It is coming from the organization's end, yes."

The 38-year-old missed Wednesday's 7-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets and Friday's overtime 4-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. Perry has also been absent from practice.

When asked on Friday if Perry's absence was his decision or coming from above him, head coach Luke Richardson responded: “That's just going to be kept internal for now in the organization. Hopefully, we'll be able to give updates soon, but we can't give a timeline on that.”

Perry was acquired in a June trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He then agreed to a $4-million, one-year contract with the Blackhawks. The right winger has four goals and five assists in 16 games this season.

— with files from the Associated Press