NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly says a "grievance has been threatened" following the Chicago Blackhawks' decision to terminate Corey Perry's contract.
Commissioner Gary Bettman says the league doesn't have any problem with how Chicago handled the situation.
"I don't have any problem with what the Blackhawks did," Bettman said on Friday.
Daly clarified that after notifying the NHLPA of their time to file, the NHLPA has "threatened" a grievance.
Perry, 38, was removed from the Blackhawks' active roster on Nov. 22.
After he went unclaimed on waivers and the contract was dissolved, the team released a statement saying it determined he “engaged in conduct that is unacceptable, and in violation of both the terms of his standard player’s contract and the Blackhawks’ internal policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments.”
Perry released an apology, admitting his “behaviour was inappropriate and wrong,” adding he would work with experts to “discuss his struggles with alcohol.”
While Perry was never suspended by the NHL, he sought a meeting with commissioner Bettman to get his blessing before entering into talks with another team. That meeting occurred, and Perry signed with the Edmonton Oilers on Jan. 22.
Perry has played in just one game with the Oilers since joining the team.
— With files from the Associated Press
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