Blackhawks GM strongly denies 'disgusting' rumors surrounding Corey Perry's absence

The circumstances surrounding Corey Perry's strange, highly-publicized absence from the Chicago Blackhawks will remain a mystery, but general manager Kyle Davidson wanted to make one thing abundantly clear during a 10-minute presser on Tuesday: there's no truth to those wild rumors circulating around social media the past few days.

Though he said he couldn't reveal many details and that it remains a "workplace matter," Davidson said the Perry situation "does not involve any player or their families, and anyone that suggests otherwise is wildly inaccurate and it’s frankly disgusting."

The team placed Perry on waivers Tuesday for the purpose of terminating his contract.

The team issued a statement a few hours prior to Davidson speaking on Tuesday.

"After an internal investigation, the Chicago Blackhawks have determined that Corey Perry has engaged in conduct that is unacceptable, and in violation of both the terms of his contract and the Blackhawks' internal policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments," the statement read.

"As such, Corey Perry has been placed on unconditional waivers. In the event Mr. Perry clears waivers, we intend to terminate his contract effective immediately."

Sources told ESPN's Emily Kaplan that the incident occurred on Nov. 21 and involved a team employee. Once the Blackhawks were informed, they prevented Perry from playing in games and began their investigation.

The news came just days after Davidson said Perry would be away from the team for the "foreseeable future." Shortly after Davidson spoke on Saturday, Perry's agent released a statement saying his client stepped away to attend to "personal matters."

Perry's last game with Chicago was on Nov. 19. He was a healthy scratch on Nov. 22 and sat out again on Nov. 24 before Davidson said he wouldn't be returning any time soon.

The veteran forward will finish his Blackhawks career with four goals and nine points in 16 games with the franchise. The 38-year-old signed a one-year, $4-million contract with Chicago after being acquired in a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning in June.

The Peterborough, Ont., native has 421 goals and 892 points over his NHL career, which has been split between the Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Lightning and Blackhawks.