Corey Perry absent from Blackhawks practice after missing game as 'organizational decision'

After missing Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks forward Corey Perry did not skate with the team at Thursday’s practice at the Fifth Third Arena in Chicago.

The Blackhawks have not yet provided an explanation for Perry’s absence from the team beyond that it is the result of an “organizational decision.” Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson did not offer up an update after Thursday’s practice.

“I just wanted to start by saying I know you have questions about Corey Perry not playing last night and attending practice today but we’re going to keep that internal in the organization right now,” Richardson told reporters on Thursday. “I’m not going to be able to answer any more questions on that.”

Blackhawks goaltender Petr Mrazek also missed Thursday’s practice. The Blackhawks also announced on Thursday that forward Taylor Hall will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

Perry, 38, ranks third on the Blackhawks in scoring with nine points (four goals, five points) in 16 games to start the 2023–24 regular season.

The Blackhawks acquired Perry from the Tampa Bay Lightning on June 29 and subsequently signed him to a one-year, $4 million contract.

Blackhawks forward Nick Foligno almost seemed to alternate between past and present tenses while referring to Perry’s tenure with the team when questioned by reporters on Thursday.

“We just know he’s not with us,” Foligno said. “Haven’t gotten any details. It’s unfortunate, he’s a big part of this. We’ll miss him.”

Blackhawks rookie Connor Bedard expressed similar sentiments to Foligno and also pointed at the players not having access to many details on Perry’s absence.

“I’m not going to speak on it too much,” Bedard said. “Obviously it sucks he’s not here but we don’t really have too much information on it or anything yet. But of course he’s a big part of the team and it sucks he can’t be here today.”

Perry has skated in 1,273 career games with the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Blackhawks, collecting 421 goals and 892 points. He’s added 53 goals and 124 points in 196 playoff contests.