Elliotte Friedman has just delivered the most recent update concerning Corey Perry and his contract termination.
Friedman Reveals Possible NHLPA Grievance, Even in the Case That Perry Doesn't Want To
Corey Perry still has some time to decide if he wants to file a grievance with the NHLPA regarding his contract termination by the Chicago Blackhawks.
Friedman shared that even if the player opts to not file a grievance, the Player Association could do it anyway in order to prevent similar incidents to happen in the future.
I've written before that the NHLPA did not contest Patrik Berglund's contract termination from Buffalo in 2018 because the player wanted no part of it. Don't know what Corey Perry's decision will be, but there definitely is a push for the union to grieve even if Perry declines. I don't know exact details and have no desire to minimize anything, but there are strong feelings the NHLPA cannot allow this precedent.
Given the lack of specific information regarding the incident, it remains challenging to gauge the union's perspective on the legitimacy of the termination.
Another Possible Scenario for the Union if No Grievance Is Filed
Friedman also belives that there could be another option for the NHLPA.
It would involve a one-time "carve-out":
Another option would be a one-time «carve-out» that Perry's case/reason for termination will have no bearing on any other situation. (Of course, the league would need to agree.) That has happened before with things like contract timelines during COVID and what is allowed during summer on-ice workouts, but this would be much higher stakes.
