Gary Bettman makes personal decision on Corey Perry's future

Moments ago, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman released a report on the status of Corey Perry. Earlier this season, the veteran was suspended and had his contract terminated by the Blackhawks due to an off-ice alcohol incident. Now according to Elliotte Friedman, Perry can return to the NHL after a meeting with Gary Bettman.

According to Friedman, Bettman met personally with Perry yesterday, after which Bettman decided that Perry had taken the appropriate action - in seeking treatment for alcoholism and making a public apology - that he is now eligible to return to the NHL.

It's a big development in the story, and speaks well to Perry's ability to recover from the off-ice issue plaguing him. Now perhaps, we'll see a contending team take a chance on him being a valuable contributor in the playoffs and down the stretch of the season. He's now officially a free agent, able to sign with any team.