Connor Bedard says Corey Perry rumors are just ‘BS on the internet’

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Connor Bedard addressed the rumors circulating in the week leading up to teammate Corey Perry’s dismissal from the Chicago Blackhawks, calling the gossip “BS.”

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Bedard took questions from the media in Winnipeg about the past week after the Blackhawks practiced at the Canada Life Center on Friday in preparation for Saturday’s matinee game against the Jets.

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The players responded.

“It’s just a bunch of BS on the internet. Of course it affected myself and my family, which is unfair. But that’s out of our control. It’s all fake, made up. ,” Bedard said.

The details surrounding Perry’s firing remain unclear, but Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a press conference earlier this week that Perry’s firing would affect the family of Bedard, the team’s No. 1 draft pick. It quickly denied rumors suggesting it was connected to any wrongdoing involved.

The team fired Perry on Tuesday following an investigation into “unacceptable” conduct, which kicked off the rumors in earnest. No other team had a claim on the former Hart Trophy winner, but he was granted waivers on Wednesday.

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ESPN reported that Perry and the team traveled to Columbus on Nov. 21, the day before the Blackhawks played the Blue Jackets. While there, an incident with a team employee occurred, Perry was removed from the game the next day, and an investigation was launched.

The exact location where the incident occurred is unknown, the report said.

However, a report by Daily Faceoff reporter Frank Seravalli late Wednesday suggested alcohol may have been involved.

Daily Faceoff reported, citing sources, that the “alcohol-related incident involving Perry” allegedly occurred during “an event attended by corporate partners and team employees.”

It is not yet clear what allegedly happened, who witnessed it and who reported it to the team, Daily Faceoff reported.

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On Thursday, Perry released a lengthy statement that included an apology.

“I would like to sincerely apologize to the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization, including the owners, management, coaches, trainers, employees, and teammates. I would also like to apologize to my fans and family. I am embarrassed and have let you all down. I let it happen,” the statement said.

“As a result of my actions, there has been speculation and rumors. I am disgusted by the impact this has had on others, but I want to make it clear that my teammates and their families were in no way implicated in this situation.” Most importantly, I want to apologize directly to those who were negatively affected, and I am sorry for any further impact it may have had on others. My actions were inappropriate and wrong. Ta.

“I have begun working with experts in the field of mental health and substance abuse to discuss my struggle with alcohol, and I intend to take all necessary steps to ensure that something like this never happens again. I want to regain the trust and respect of everyone who believed in me throughout my career.

“Once again, I deeply apologize.”

Earlier in the day, Bedard was named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month after scoring six goals and 12 points in 12 games.

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