Corey Perry hasn't looked back.
The winger, who agreed to terms with the Oilers over the weekend, declined to discuss the incident that got him released from his contract by the Blackhawks earlier this season when he was introduced by Edmonton on Monday.
“I've really had an opportunity to really reflect, get help, take full responsibility for what happened in Chicago, and try to improve myself,” Perry told reporters. “The help I got and where I came from made a world of difference from where I was two months ago to where I am today.”
Perry's one-year contract in Chicago ended in November after the team investigated the mysterious incident, which the team deemed to be a violation of its policies “designed to promote a professional and safe work environment.” It ended midway through.
Now, the 38-year-old is back in the NHL on a prorated $775,000 contract for the remainder of the season after undergoing counseling for alcohol abuse.
“When everything happened and my contract ended, I didn't know what was going to happen, so I was minding my own business at first,” Perry said. “It was at the forefront of taking care of myself, being in a better position and moving on from there.”
He joins a red-hot Oilers team that has won 13 straight games and is 23-6 since firing coach Jay Woodcroft.
Edmonton is led by superstar forwards Connor McDavid (59 points in 40 games) and Leon Draisaitl (50 points in 42 games), who rank 9th and 16th in the league in scoring after the midway point of the season. is ranked first.
“When you have a six-year-old kid and you have Connor McDavid on your team, it's like following the Edmonton Oilers,” Perry said. “This team is heading in the right direction, and not just because they've won 13 games in a row. You can see where they're going and their mindset and vision of wanting to win a Stanley Cup here.”
General manager Ken Holland was pleased to add Perry, a Cup champion, former MVP and two-time Olympic gold medalist, in his 19th NHL season after speaking with Chicago's Kyle Davidson.
“You're trying to make your team better,” Holland said. “We're adding guys who, in our opinion, can play in playoff hockey. Guys that are greasy, gritty, dirty and heavy to keep the puck low.”
He is expected to make his team debut Saturday against Nashville as the Oilers seek their first Stanley Cup appearance since 1990.
Perry had four goals and nine points in 16 games before leaving Chicago.
