Connor Bedard slams rumors that Blackhawks teammate Corey Perry slept with his mom before being waived by Chicago: 'A bunch of BS'

Connor Bedard has addressed the 'unfair' rumors that Blackhawks teammate Corey Perry slept with his mom, insisting: 'It's just a bunch of BS on the internet'

Perry was recently waived by Chicago after an internal investigation found that he 'engaged in conduct that is unacceptable and in violation of both the terms of his Standard Player's Contract and the Blackhawks' internal policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments.'

Speculation was rife the scandal involved a sexual relationship with Bedard's mom, Melanie. The team already denied that Perry's departure involved other Blackhawks players or their families.

And now Bedard, the first overall pick in 2023, has opened up on the hurt the rumors caused. 

'It's of course (had) an effect on myself and my family,' he said.

'And that's not fair,' he continued. 'But it's out of our control. It's all just fake, made-up stuff.'

Perry also denied the speculation after he was cut earlier this week - just days after the 38-year-old stepped away from the team for personal reasons. 

The right winger released a statement Thursday revealing he was seeking help for mental health and alcohol struggles. 

'I would like to sincerely apologize to the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization, including ownership, management, coaches, trainers, employees, and my teammates,' Perry wrote. 

'I would also like to apologize to my fans, and my family. I am embarrassed and I have let you all down.

'As a result of my actions, there has been speculation and rumors. I am sickened by the impact this has had on others, and I want to make it clear that in no way did this situation involve any of my teammates or their families. Most importantly, I want to directly apologize to those who have been negatively affected and I am sorry for the additional impact to others it has created. My behavior was inappropriate and wrong.

'I have started working with experts in the mental health and substance abuse fields to discuss my struggles with alcohol and I will take whatever steps necessary to ensure this never happens again. I hope to regain the trust and respect of everyone who has believed in me throughout my career.'

According to ESPN, Perry travelled with the Blackhawks to Columbus last Tuesday, one day before the game, and an incident involving a 'team employee' occurred that day.

He was then 'immediately pulled' from the game once Chicago were notified before an investigation was launched.