“I would like to sincerely apologize to the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization, including ownership, management, coaches, trainers, employees, and my teammates. I would also like to apologize to my fans, and my family. I am embarrassed and I have let you all down,” Perry wrote in his statement, which was shared to X by Hockey Night in Canada‘s Elliotte Friedman.
“As a result of my actions, there has been speculation and rumours. 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 behaviour was inappropriate and wrong.”
On Tuesday, a startling revelation was made that Perry had been placed on waivers by the Blackhawks with the purpose of terminating his contract. The news came more than a week after Perry had mysteriously disappeared from the Blackhawks lineup.
“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.”
BREAKING: #Blackhawks have placed Corey Perry on unconditional waivers and plan to terminate his contract, effective immediately.
On Wednesday, he cleared waivers and his one-year, $4 million contract came to an end.
The circumstances surrounding Perry’s alleged “unacceptable” conduct have not been made public. In the absence of more information, one unsubstantiated theory involving a teammate’s family member has gripped hockey fans.
“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. Once again, I am deeply sorry.”
In a Tuesday press conference, Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson slammed a salacious dominating theory involving a teammate’s family member as “wildly inaccurate.”
“This does not involve any other players or their family members.”
Davidson characterized Perry’s case as an “individual personnel matter” and said he wouldn’t be able to disclose any information about the findings of the Blackhawks’ internal investigation.
“However, I do want to be very clear on this one point: this does not involve any player or their families, and anyone that suggests otherwise is wildly inaccurate and it’s frankly disgusting.”
Perry’s last game with the Blackhawks was on Nov. 19. He is now an unrestricted free agent.
— with files from Global News’ Kathryn Mannie
Corey Perry shares CHE camp in Peterborough with son Griffin
Corey Perry said Thursday he has begun working with mental health and substance abuse experts to discuss his struggles with alcohol after Chicago terminated his contract for engaging in "conduct that is unacceptable" and against team policies.
Perry emailed a statement to The Associated Press and other outlets apologizing for behaviour he called "inappropriate and wrong." Perry's longtime agent, Pat Morris, confirmed by text message that his client sent the statement.
The 38-year-old NHL veteran said he hopes to regain the trust of those who believed in him throughout his career.
"I would like to sincerely apologize to the entire Chicago organization, including ownership, management, coaches, trainers, employees and my teammates," Perry said. "I would also like to apologize to my fans and my family. I am embarrassed, and I have let you all down."
Corey Perry releases a statement: <a href="https://t.co/UnXbuk1tlS">pic.twitter.com/UnXbuk1tlS</a>
Echoing what general manager Kyle Davidson made abundantly clear at his news conference Tuesday, Perry said the situation had nothing to do with teammates or their families.
"I am sickened by the impact this has had on others," Perry said. "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."
Perry ended the statement, "Once again, I am deeply sorry."
Neither Perry nor the team would say exactly what occurred, other than Davidson calling it a workplace matter that did not involve law enforcement. He was suspiciously scratched from a game at Columbus on Nov. 22, before Davidson said Perry would be away from the team for the foreseeable future.
Franchise scarred by scandal
After an internal investigation, the team said earlier this week that Perry's actions violated his contract, putting him on unconditional waivers to terminate his $4 million US deal for this season. Perry cleared Wednesday, and his contract was terminated.
Perry, through the NHL Players' Association, has 60 days to file grievance if he so chooses.
His apology came two days after Davidson was visibly shaken up talking about Perry in the latest off-ice development for the franchise still scarred by scandal. The organization has revamped many policies and reporting procedures since an October 2021 report detailed how the organization badly mishandled a player's allegations that he was sexually assaulted by an assistant coach during the team's 2010 Stanley Cup run.
Davidson said Perry's situation "reinforced the resolve we have to change the culture and make sure we're doing the right things and upholding our values and making sure that we continue to build a culture of accountability."
Asked if new reporting processes for misconduct made a different in this case, Davidson responded: "I believe so."
Andre Dawson’s desire to have the cap on his Hall of Fame plaque changed from a Montreal Expos logo to a Chicago Cubs one was a “shot in the gut” for Perry Giannias.
The 69-year-old Dawson made headlines Tuesday when he told the Chicago Tribune that he sent a letter to Baseball Hall of Fame chair Jane Forbes Clark asking to change the cap. Having an Expos logo on his plaque is a decision he had disagreed with dating back to his entry into the hall back in 2010.
“Andre had made that clear back in the day when he got elected. But I thought it sort of passed. So when I read that article yesterday, I’m not going to lie, it sort of was like a shot in the gut,” Giannias, the president of Expos Fest, a gala that celebrates the team’s history, said on the phone from Montreal.
“Just reminded me that he had those feelings. So I guess they haven’t changed and I understand. I’ve known Andre for a long time and sometimes, you know, when you get older, you want your legacy to reflect the way you feel. And I think that’s what this is all about.”
Dawson is one of three Hall of Famers whose plaques have an Expos cap, alongside former teammates Tim Raines and the late Gary Carter.
Carter expressed a desire to have a New York Mets cap on his plaque in 2003.
Players could make the decision through the 2001 induction, and the hall took over the decision ahead of the 2002 vote.
The change followed reports in 1999 that Tampa Bay offered to compensate the newly retired Wade Boggs if his plaque bore a Devil Rays logo. Boggs was inducted in 2005 and his plaque has a Boston Red Sox logo.
But Scott Rolen and Fred McGriff were apparently able to make their own choice when inducted earlier this year.
“While the Hall of Fame provides guidance to each new inductee as to which logo, if any, may be represented on the cap of his plaque, the Hall of Fame retains the final say,” a spokesman for the Hall of Fame said.
“As a history museum, the plaque’s historical accuracy is paramount, and that includes the logo is reflected on the plaque. All teams are listed in the text of the plaque.”
Dawson spent the first 11 of his 21-year career in Montreal, where he enjoyed much of his success as a pro.
Between 1976 and 1986, Dawson was named National League rookie of the year and earned three of his eight career all-star appearances, six of his eight Gold Glove awards and three of his four Silver Slugger awards.
Dawson left for Chicago in free agency, where he spent six seasons. His stint with the Cubs was highlighted by his 1987 campaign, in which he led the NL in home runs and RBIs en route to winning NL MVP.
He then spent two years with the Boston Red Sox and two more with the then-Florida Marlins to conclude his career.
Giannias says Dawson’s exit from Montreal may have a role in his desire to switch caps. Dawson has said he felt he was “forced out” of Montreal and had trouble finding a team in free agency in 1986, likely due to what was later ruled to be collusion among baseball owners to restrict player movement.
“I just know what everybody else knows, is the way he left the Expos,” he said. “When you talk about the stars of the Montreal Expos, especially in the ‘80s, ... and in the 35 years (of their existence) in general, it’s Andre Dawson, Tim Raines and Gary Carter, right?
“So, when Carter moved on, when they got rid of him, the prodigal son should have been Andre and the way they treated him during the collusion thing (Dawson , that was really dirty. I don’t know if somebody forgets that. Obviously, that plays a role in it.
“But I don’t believe it’s got much to do about that anymore, but just his love for Chicago, because Chicago embraced him, like right away and he’s had a great relationship with the city ever since. So I think it’s less of a grudge and more of an appreciation for his adopted city, he’s an ambassador there.”
"It felt good," Kane said. "It's good to be back in the NHL."
Last season, Kane was hampered by a hip injury that capped what he could do on the ice. In his first press conference with the Detroit media, Kane said it was a "limiting" injury that forced him to make plays "one-legged."
When asked how he feels now, several months removed from surgery, Kane said the difference is night and day.
"I feel a lot better than compared to last year," Kane said. "Just the ability to put weight on the right leg and shift weight side to side. Also, just my lateral movement is better. Crossovers, left over right, were a struggle for me last year. That feels good as well. I think I'm in a good spot."
Even though Kane feels like he's back to full health, he will take some time to get acclimated to his new team before playing in a game. The newest member of the Red Wings highlighted the Dec. 5 road game against the Buffalo Sabres and the Dec. 7 home game against the San Jose Sharks as possible dates for his debut.
After his first practice with the Wings, Kane also offered an explanation as to why he chose them over several other suitors. Between what general manager Steve Yzerman has built and the existing relationship with fellow winger Alex DeBrincat, Kane thought Detroit was the best landing spot for him.
"I just thought the fit was good, right?" Kane said. "That's not to say it wasn't good anywhere else, but I think with a young team that's been playing well as of late, I can come in and build my game. Not too much pressure on me with the success they're having this year.
"Probably the DeBrincat factor had something to do with it too. Just being comfortable playing with him, not only on the ice, but off the ice too. Excited to build that chemistry again. We had some really good moments in Chicago. It'll be fun to play with him again," he added.
If Kane is back at full health, or anything close to it, he should be able to help the Red Wings end their seven-year playoff drought. A three-time Stanley Cup champion and former Hart Trophy winner, Kane brings 1,180 career games, 451 goals, and 786 assists with him to Detroit.
Embattled forward Corey Perry cleared unconditional waivers on Wednesday, paving the way for the Chicago Blackhawks to terminate his contract, which the team said it would do “effective immediately” for what it only described as a “workplace matter” and “conduct that is unacceptable.”
Now what? The Blackhawks claimed in a statement on Tuesday that Perry was “in violation of his Standard Playing Contract and the Blackhawks’ internal policies intended to promote professional and safe work environments.” The big question lingering is whether Perry’s alleged misconduct has risen to the level of a material breach of his contract. For the test of time, NHL player contracts have been ironclad agreements that guarantee employment with only vaguely worded and limited exceptions that grant teams the right to terminate.
Given the lack of detail provided by the Blackhawks, it is impossible to know whether Perry’s conduct met that mostly unprecedented level of material breach. Teams have previously sent players home and continued to pay them until the expiration of their contracts, but there does not appear to be one example in recent NHL history of an active player’s contract being terminated for conduct that may be inappropriate but not illegal. The Los Angeles Kings attempted to terminate Mike Richards’ contract in 2015, four months after he was charged with attempting to cross the border in possession of controlled substances, but even then the Kings were forced to pay cap recapture penalties and termination fees to Richards totaling $10.5 million over 17 years through 2032.
According to sources, an alcohol-fueled incident involving Perry was alleged to have occurred during an event that included corporate partners and team employees in attendance. It remains unclear what allegedly took place, who witnessed it, and who reported it to the team.
Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said that the front office learned of the allegation while in Columbus last week and “immediately pulled” Perry from the lineup prior to a Thanksgiving eve game against the Blue Jackets. Davidson declined to provide any detail about the allegation or subsequent investigation before resulting in the termination that was scheduled to be completed on Wednesday.
“As this is an individual personnel matter, I will not be able to disclose any details relating to the initial reporting, investigation or the findings,” Davidson said in prepared remarks on Tuesday before taking questions.
However, we can glean from Perry’s placement on waivers and Davidson’s answers to questions, a few pertinent facts: 1) Perry’s alleged misconduct does not involve a criminal investigation; 2) the NHL was made aware of the Blackhawks’ investigation but this was a “team incident and team decision;” 3) Perry has not been suspended by the NHL and if he was claimed on waivers on Wednesday presumably would have been free to continue playing.
That has left many other team executives and agents to wonder whether Perry’s alleged misconduct would have risen to the same level in any other organization outside of Chicago, which is still reeling and sensitive from a 2021 independent investigation revealed that Blackhawks executives covered up an alleged sexual assault committed in 2010 by team video coach Brad Aldrich.
When asked on Wednesday whether the NHL Players’ Association would move to file a grievance in defense of Perry and, ultimately, all players with a potential precedent setting termination, an NHLPA spokesperson said that that the union was “reviewing the matter.” The NHLPA has 60 days from the date of termination to file a grievance. Perry’s agent, Pat Morris of Newport Sports Management, did not immediately return a request for comment.
According to Section 2 (e) of a Standard Players Contract, all NHL players agree “to conduct himself on and off the rink according to the highest standards of honesty, morality, fair play and sportsmanship, and to refrain from conduct detrimental to the best interest of the Club, the League or professional hockey generally.”
In the same contract, it says in Section 14 (a) that teams may terminate a deal if a player shall at any time: “fail, refuse, or neglect to obey the Club’s rules governing training and conduct of Players, if such failure, refusal or neglect should constitute a material breach of this SPC.“
Typically, that clause has only been invoked for players who fail to report or fail to keep in good physical condition. It has rarely, if ever, been used to terminate a player who violates team rules for conduct. The most recently published version of the joint NHL-NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement also lists a “Form of Standard Club Rules,” which does not specifically mention anything relating to workplace conduct.
The Blackhawks also referenced Perry’s violation of “internal policies,” which may or may not be permissible as determinant for player conduct under the CBA. According to Exhibit 14, Note 2: “Each Club may make up to three (3) modifications and/or amendments to the Standard Club Rules. Clubs shall submit proposed modifications and/or amendments for consideration by the NHL and the NHLPA at least ten (10) days prior to the commencement of Training Camp.” It is unclear whether the Blackhawks submitted amendments to the NHL and NHLPA prior to the beginning of training camp.
“The organization is committed to a culture of accountability and upholding our values across our employees and players both on and off the ice,” Davidson said. Davidson appeared visibly choked up when discussing the situation, acknowledging “it’s been very tough. It’s been a tough couple days.”
Neutral league observers suggested the Blackhawks’ termination of Perry was an easy and smart step to take as a way to rebuild trust and credibility in the community. The team learned of alleged misconduct, pulled him from the lineup, conducted an investigation and moved to terminate him in a span of six days. Since Davidson said the NHL was apprised of the investigation and end result, clearly the Blackhawks received the backing of the league in their interpretation. And if Perry or the NHLPA challenged their decision via grievance, even if the end result was a settlement between player and team, at least the Blackhawks and NHL came out with a hardline stance against workplace misconduct in the meantime.
Meanwhile, agents and players expressed concern to Daily Faceoff this week about the potential of Perry’s termination becoming precedent setting for conduct that may be improper but not illegal. After all, there are players who have run afoul of the law and never received discipline rising to the level of termination. The Los Angeles Kings terminated defenseman Slava Voynov’s contract in 2017 after he had been suspended indefinitely by the NHL and served 90 days in jail for domestic assault. The San Jose Sharks terminated Evander Kane’s contract in 2022 for failure to report and presenting a fake vaccination card; Kane and the NHLPA grieved the matter, resulting in a settlement that bridged the gap between what he was due to earn in San Jose and his earnings on a new contract in Edmonton.
As one source asked: “Perry was in some ways disposable because he is 38 and not the face of the franchise. But what if he was 25 and had just signed a $70 million extension last summer? Can that just be washed away now with no questions asked? What about guys who are signed to long-term deals that are overpaid and underperforming? Can teams conveniently terminate those because a guy does something vaguely immoral on the road one weekend?”
About the only thing the Blackhawks revealed publicly was that there was zero validity to a disgusting rumor floating through social media over the last week, with Davidson saying: “I do want to be very clear on this one point: this does not involve any players or their families. And anything that suggests otherwise, or anyone that suggests otherwise, is wildly inaccurate and frankly, it’s disgusting.”
Short of that, the only thing the hockey world has been left with are more questions than answers, including exactly what Perry is alleged to have done, whether the Blackhawks have the juice to terminate his deal, and whether Perry or the NHLPA have the inclination to grieve a mostly unprecedented move.
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Panthers winger and Leafs nemesis Matthew Tkachuk (19) crashes into Toronto goaltender Joseph Woll as Matthew Knies defends on Tuesday. The Leafs finalky won the game 2-1 in a shootout. THE CANADIAN PRESSPhoto by Frank Gunn /THE CANADIAN PRESS
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Noah Gregor, Maple Leafs saviour. Weird but true.
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The fourth-line winger scored the shootout winner against the Florida Panthers in a 2-1 victory at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday after he scored the only Toronto goal in regulation.
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Joseph Woll continued to take a firmer grip on the Leafs’ No. 1 job, making 31 saves.
“Outstanding, just so solid,” Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said. “His play through the final segment of the first period (when the Leafs sagged) keeps us around in the game.”
In the shootout, the Panthers’ Nick Cousins hit the post after Gregor scored, ensuring the Leafs’ win. Cousins was the 12th shooter.
Florida thought it won when the 10th shooter, Evan Rodrigues, beat Woll. But a review, initiated by the NHL, showed Rodrigues double-tapped the puck and the goal did not count.
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Gregor was in the tunnel heading back to the room when Morgan Rielly called out and said it was being reviewed.
“I’ve never seen that before,” said Gregor, who added it was his first shootout goal in the NHL. “It’s a crazy end to the game. When we got back from the tunnel, Keefer told me I was going. I think everyone thought the game was over.”
In starting a three-game home stand, the Leafs won after losing two in a row.
A scare went into the Leafs when Mitch Marner took a Matthew Tkachuk shot to the face in the first period and dropped to the ice. Marner got up and went directly to the Leafs’ dressing room. Marner came back to start the second period, wearing a minor-hockey style cage to protect his face.
“Seems fine, other than a pretty good gash on his cheek, on his jawline,” Keefe said.
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The Leafs had a good opportunity to win in regulation when Jonah Gadjovich combed Gregor’s face with his stick and was assessed a double minor for high-sticking at 16:56 of the third. But Toronto could not get its power play organized, and the second minor became moot when the Leafs were called for too many men at 19:54, their NHL-leading eighth bench minor.
The Leafs are 0-for-11 in their past three games on the power play.
Much was made going into the game about the line changes Keefe made — swapping Marner, who played with John Tavares, and William Nylander, who skated with Auston Matthews — but it was Gregor who scored a highlight-reel goal to tie the game 1-1 in the second period.
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Gregor, who has sneaky speed, flashed down the left side and went high on Panthers goalie Anthony Stolarz at 12:54. It was Gregor’s third goal.
“Huge,” Keefe said. “I really liked his game. Tried to give him a bit extra here and there. It was great to see him come through for the guys.”
Nylander hit the post twice in the second period and drew a couple of penalties. When the Leafs needed their best players to put them in control, however, none could get it done. These tight games against division rivals are the kind where the elite are paid to make a difference. On Tuesday, that did not happen for Toronto.
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The Leafs had to play with five defencemen after Mark Giordano was hurt in the first period.
As the second period was starting, the Leafs announced that Giordano would not return because of an upper-body injury.
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Already without Timothy Liljegren (ankle) and John Klingberg (hip), the Leafs can’t afford to lose Giordano for a lengthy period of time.
“I haven’t got the final report, but it looks like he is going to miss time,” Keefe said.
If there was pressure on GM Brad Treliving to make a trade for a defenceman, that only increases. The Leafs have been getting by with a shorthanded group on the blue line as it is.
William Lagesson and Simon Benoit were signed for depth roles, not to play every night. The Toronto Marlies aren’t exactly brimming with prospects on defence, though Max Lajoie probably would be in line to get the call if required.
Still, the Leafs can’t expect to be competitive with several defencemen who would not be playing under normal circumstances. The feeling has been that Treliving has to acquire a top-notch defenceman. Now, getting one who could take reps in the bottom four would be a benefit.
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The Leafs were looking forward to playing their first home game since Nov. 11, when they beat the Vancouver Canucks.
From the way they started, the Leafs played like they wanted to be anywhere else but in their relatively quiet home building.
A goal by Florida’s Kevin Stenlund came after Ryan Lomberg sent Nylander flying in the corner in the Leafs’ end in a battle for the puck. The Leafs didn’t recover and watched as Stenlund beat Woll.
Keep in mind the Panthers played the night before in Ottawa, where they defeated the Senators 5-0. The first was especially ugly for a number of Leafs, especially Matthews and Rielly.
At five-on-five, the Panthers had 20 shot attempts when Rielly was on the ice, and none against. With Matthews on the ice, it was 15 for, none against.
Rielly rebounded as the game progressed and made several fine defensive plays in the third period.
Chicago's NHL team says Corey Perry engaged in unacceptable conduct and it is moving toward terminating his contract in the latest twist involving the veteran winger who was sent home last week without explanation.
The team said Tuesday in a statement that an internal investigation showed Perry acted in violation of his NHL Standard Player Contract and their club policies "intended to promote professional and safe work environments." Chicago put Perry on unconditional waivers and said his deal will be terminated as long as he clears Wednesday.
The team has not given any indication as to what Perry did to warrant these actions.
"As this is an individual personnel matter, I will not be able to disclose any details related to the initial reporting or the findings," general manager Kyle Davidson said Tuesday.
"However, I do want to be very clear on this point. This does not involve any players or their families, and anything that suggests otherwise, or anyone that suggests otherwise, is wildly inaccurate and frankly it's disgusting."
BREAKING: Blackhawks have placed Corey Perry on unconditional waivers to terminate his contract.<br><br>Team statement: <a href="https://t.co/8F8ugWj83K">pic.twitter.com/8F8ugWj83K</a>
Perry hasn't played since he skated for almost 15 minutes during a 3-2 loss to Buffalo on Nov. 19. He was scratched for Chicago's past three games before Tuesday night's matchup with Seattle.
Agent Pat Morris did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment on Chicago's intent to terminate Perry's contract. Over the weekend, he said in a statement that Perry had stepped away to attend to personal matters.
Davidson said the team learned about the accusations while it was in Columbus a week ago. The GM said he met with the players on Tuesday to inform them of the decision to cut ties with Perry.
Davidson also said he has been in contact with the NHL and NHL players' association.
"The league was understanding of the situation, as was the players' union," he said. "All parties were informed, but again it was a team incident."
Brought in as veteran presence
The 38-year-old Perry was acquired in a June trade with Tampa Bay. He then agreed to a $4 million US, one-year contract with Chicago.
An 18-year veteran known for his leadership, the Peterborough, Ont., native won the Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007 and became the first player in league history to reach the final three consecutive years and lose each time with Dallas, Montreal and Tampa Bay from 2020-22.
Chicago brought in Perry and fellow forwards Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno to surround No. 1 pick and 18-year-old face of the franchise Connor Bedard with experienced players who could show him the ropes in professional hockey.
Perry is on his way out of the organization after 16 games, while Hall is out for the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee.
An 18-year-old fighter who died following a boxing event in Quebec may have suffered from Second Impact syndrome, according to a coroner's report that includes several recommendations for the province's gaming authority and event promoters.
Jeanette Zacarias Zapata, a Mexican fighter, was knocked unconscious during a match on Aug. 28, 2021 against Quebec boxer Marie-Pier Houle and was taken away on a stretcher.
The event was held at Montreal's IGA Stadium and organized by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), an established promoter in the province.
Zapata died in hospital on Sept. 2 — five days after the fight.
In a report made public on Tuesday, Quebec coroner Jacques Ramsay said the 18-year-old died of brain trauma caused by repeated blows to the head.
The coroner describes the death as violent but accidental.
A lot to learn from boxer's death, coroner says
Second Impact syndrome (SIS), which the coroner brought up as a possible contributor to the boxer's death, refers to situations where people experience a second head injury before fully recovering from the first.
In his report, the coroner points out that it is a rare occurrence that has not been studied extensively.
Heading into her final fight, Zapata was coming off a knockout loss during a fight in Mexico.
During that fight, Zapata suffered several blows to the head, hung on to the ropes and and got on her knee before the referee stepped in to stop the fight. She ultimately fell to the floor.
After the fight, her father confirmed that her daughter had lost consciousness and attributed that to a lack of oxygen.
In Mexico, Zapata was prohibited from taking part in boxing-related activity for two months following her brutal loss, which is the norm in several boxing jurisdictions including Quebec, the coroner said.
More than three months went by between the fight in Mexico and the one in Montreal that led to her death, which is a much longer delay between head injuries than the ones usually included in studies about SIS, the coroner wrote.
The coroner said the brain swelling, or cerebral edema, that Zapata suffered after the fight was "major" and developed quickly.
"It was to the point that the intracranial pressure was already difficult to deal with during the first few hours in the hospital," the coroner wrote.
"The quickness with which it set in could be interpreted as a sign of Second Impact syndrome."
Studying Zapata's case could contribute knowledge on SIS, the coroner said.
Two physicians and a team of paramedics were assigned to the Montreal fight. A second team was called once it became clear that Zapata's condition was serious.
"Ms. Zacarias Zapata answered 'no' to each question include the one asking if she's ever had a concussion, a head injury or experienced loss of consciousness," the coroner's report reads.
"That means she did not consider her K.O. in May to be a concussion."
Jeanette Zacarias Zapata,left, fought Marie-Pier Houle in a welterweight bout at IGA Stadium in Montreal in 2021, about 15 weeks after being knocked out in a Mexican fight. (The Canadian Press/Ho-Gym)
Tighter controls, more testing for fighters coming off K.Os
The coroner's report includes three recommendations.
He recommends the RACJ makes it mandatory for fighters coming off a knockout loss to submit a complete description of what happened, including submitting video of the fight if there is any, and a post-fight medical report.
The coroner describes this as a "shared responsibility" between the RACJ and the event promoter.
The coroner also says fighters coming off a knockout loss should undergo neuropsychological testing and those tests should be compared to previous ones.
The coroner also wants the RACJ to require combat athletes to submit neuropsychological tests when granted a licence to fight. Those tests could be used for comparison if those athletes were to ever be knocked out during competition.
In a meeting with reporters, Yvon Michel, the president of GYM, said he welcomed the coroner's recommendations.
He described Zapata's death as "one of the most difficult experiences of my career."
Houle, Zapata's final opponent, has appeared in six bouts since the incident, according to BoxRec, an online boxing database.
"Never, ever, is the intention of seriously injuring an opponent in my plans," Houle wrote in a social media message that was posted while Zapata was hospitalized.
After she died, Houle posted a separate message, saying that she felt devastated by what happened.
Jeanette Guadeloupe Zacarias Zapata, left, faces Marie-Pier Houle in a welterweight fight at the stade IGA, in Montreal, on Aug. 28, 2021.Yannick Maltais/The Canadian Press
A Quebec coroner says Mexican boxer Jeanette Guadeloupe Zacarias Zapata did not declare a likely prior concussion before an August 2021 match in Montreal that led to her death.
Coroner Jacques Ramsay concludes in a report released today that 18-year-old Zacarias Zapata died of a traumatic brain injury after she suffered a cerebral knockout during the match with Quebec boxer Marie-Pier Houle.
Ramsay says Zacarias Zapata’s death was accidental but came 15 weeks after a match in Mexico in which she likely suffered a similar cerebral knockout – characterized by head trauma causing a concussion.
The coroner notes that the boxer answered negative to a question on a government-issued questionnaire about previous concussions and head injuries before the 2021 fight at Montreal’s IGA Stadium.
Among Ramsay’s recommendations is a call for Quebec’s sports regulator to require fighters who are knocked out in a preceding match to submit details of what happened and associated medical reports before their next fight.
He also recommends that the regulator require fighters to undergo neuropsychological testing after cerebral knockouts.
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving met with reporters after Monday’s practice to address several topics, including the pursuit of a new defenseman following John Klingberg’s move to long-term injured reserve with a hip injury.
This change was a direct response to Marner’s middling play over the weekend. Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe offered a candid critique of Marner’s game prior to Saturday’s 3-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“Just not executing at the level that you’d expect from Mitch,” Keefe said of Marner's recent performance on Saturday afternoon via The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel. “Mitch hasn’t found his groove yet.”
Marner offered a poor response Saturday. He was caught way too far up the ice on Jake Guentzel’s goal, which tied the game 28 seconds after the Maple Leafs opened the scoring. He lost the puck during a power play which almost led to a Penguins short-handed goal.
Marner’s defensive impact has also waned. Although he was a Selke finalist last year, the 26-year-old currently ranks 272nd out of 431 eligible players (200 minutes or greater played at 5-on-5) in expected goals against per 60 via Natural Stat Trick.
Matthews, for what it’s worth, ranks 268th, although his 17 takeaways versus nine giveaways at 5-on-5 has been a plus on the defensive side.
“It's just been great reluctance on my part to make a change to the (John) Tavares group in particular, and with Willy in particular,” Keefe said of the changes Monday. “[Nylander has] found a nice groove, his game has been going so well that we were reluctant to make a change to him and his situation.”
In light of the move today, let's look at what has and hasn't worked with the Matthews-Marner combination, and why the lineup shuffle may be the best thing for all parties involved.
Performance of the first line and "core four"
Tyler Bertuzzi was initially placed on the Matthews-Marner line to start the season. Matthews went ballistic during the opening week with consecutive hat tricks and Marner registered three assists in two games, but Bertuzzi struggled to generate any real chemistry with Toronto's top line.
Bertuzzi caught fire alongside Tavares and Nylander and that line is Toronto’s most commonly-used unit, with a plus-4 goal differential while hovering just below a 60% share of the expected goals.
Matthews and Marner have been paired together in three of Toronto’s most commonly used groups at 5-on-5. Here’s how it’s worked out so far:
LINE COMBINATION
TIME ON ICE
GOALS FOR
GOALS AGAINST
EXPECTED GOALS FOR %
Knies-Matthews-Marner
94:10
6
6
50.57
Jarnkrok-Matthews-Marner
65:01
4
2
39.64
Bertuzzi-Matthews-Marner
49:27
2
2
63.12
These aren’t particularly bad results in a vacuum for Toronto’s second-, third- and fifth-most used forward combos — but hockey isn’t played in a vacuum. If Matthews and Marner are essentially playing to a draw when paired with Knies, there’s a desperate need for change.
Nylander-Matthews and Tavares-Marner have been used together before throughout their shared tenures, so it’s not an unfamiliar concept for Keefe to deploy and it’s not too late to start experimenting again, with a cabal of new linemates surrounding the core four.
Here’s how these duos fared in 2022-23:
LINE COMBINATION
TIME ON ICE
GOALS FOR
GOALS AGAINST
EXPECTED GOALS FOR %
Bunting-Matthews-Nylander
372:45
28
10
55.88
Jarnkrok-Tavares-Marner
174:25
9
8
53.95
Bunting-Tavares-Marner
74:07
4
0
55.56
Bertuzzi isn’t the exact same player as Michael Bunting, but he replicates many similar qualities so we’re tossing nuance aside for a second and using Bertuzzi as the Bunting stand-in this season. Matthews and Nylander have built some incredible chemistry together over the years. Both players are excellent at creating chances independent of their linemates in large part due to their terrific releases which they can get off nearly anywhere inside the offensive third.
Tavares’ improved skating and overall cerebral qualities bode well with Marner’s all-world playmaking. They need just a glance at each other to get open and unlock the optimized versions of each other’s games. This could work. And there’s enough data to support that this may be the idealized version of Toronto’s forward corps.
It is worth noting that Nylander has taken another step this year, becoming a more willing and complete shooter. He’s winning puck battles aggressively and he’s shown terrific defensive attention to detail that has often led to instant offense — which hasn’t always been true in the past.
What has worked with the Matthews-Marner-Knies combination
OK, so the sky isn’t falling for Matthews and Marner, both of whom have shown individual flashes of brilliance. Matthews started the year on fire, while Marner registered back-to-back four-point performances during the first week of November against the Sabres and Lightning, respectively.
Marner leads the Maple Leafs with 13 points at 5-on-5, while Matthews ranks second with 12. In a vacuum, again, this would be fine, but we’re talking about two extraordinary players, one of whom is a former MVP, the other one coming off a tour-de-force 99-point season imbued with all-around excellence.
Although the production hasn’t been there lately, Meghan Chayka of Stathletes researched that Marner-Matthews are among the league’s elite one-two combinations.
Yahoo Sports Canada's Nick Ashbourne highlighted Marner’s long-range passing and it’s still true that No. 16 is seeking instant offense through stretch passes. It’s been a catch-22 of sorts for Marner: he’s been at his best when seeking instant offense through long-range bombs as displayed below, or lateral passes off the rush to a cutting Matthews or Knies.
Maple Leafs plays that stood out Sweden edition 🇸🇪:
1. Mitch Marner is good for a spectacular pass or two in any two-game span.
This stretch pass to Matthews is special. It happens so quickly thanks to an instant decision and the velocity on the feed. pic.twitter.com/Y9Ij0hPuXX
Unfortunately, this same quality has worked against Marner as well: he’s often looking for the spectacular play or an audacious cut through several defenders, when a simple pass to extend possession would do just fine.
This pass from Marner to Matthew Knies against the Wild on Nov. 19 — Marner’s last game with a point — is a defining example of what Marner has done well this year.
Knies scores in the below clip during a Nov. 6 game against the Lightning and it’s the result of a concerted three-man effort where Knies and Matthews win a puck battle together, Matthews gets the puck back to Marner, who throws it at the net and Matthews cleans it up.
Good things happen when you simplify the game and Marner’s been at his best when he does the small things well.
Marner and Matthews still thrive with their two-man game in small spaces, particularly when Marner is on the half-wall and Matthews can use his frame to either cut to the slot, or work behind the net to extend possessions.
What hasn’t worked with the Matthews-Marner combination
Matthews and Marner aren’t getting the best out of each other anymore — which could change in an instant given their chemistry, pedigree and continuity and off-ice brotherhood — but the fault primarily lies with Marner, who sports a minus-1 goal differential at 5-on-5, while Matthews is merely a plus-1 despite being firmly in the Rocket Richard race.
And not to put too fine a point on this part, but Knies’ best results have often come as a result of his two-man game with Calle Jarnkrok, along with a third-period flash of brilliance with Max Domi during a 4-3 win against the Lightning on Oct. 21.
The Maple Leafs are hoping a demotion to the second line will help spark Mitch Marner's production. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
It’s also worth noting that Marner has been a staple of the team’s top penalty kill and the Maple Leafs rank 18th with a 77.8% success rate. Of course, this is a group project of sorts attached to Marner, David Kampf and several rotating defensemen but it’s been a sharp decline from the former's Selke-caliber season a year ago. There was an initial idea that placing the Maple Leafs’ best forwards on the penalty kill would be an avenue for surplus minutes and after initially strong returns, this idea largely hasn’t worked.
We’ve already discussed how Marner is often looking for the audacious play rather than the simple one. There’s been a razor-thin margin of error but Marner hasn’t found Matthews in optimal shooting lanes after the first week of November and it’s time for an adjustment. We’re only a quarter of the way through the season and Keefe should tinker with his lines until the Maple Leafs strike gold.
Treliving seeking out a trade for defensemen
In non-Matthews and Marner news, Treliving revealed that he will be pursuing another defensemen in light of John Klingberg’s hip injury. Klingberg and his $4.15 million salary have been placed into the team’s long-term injured reserve pool.
“It's certainly an area we'd like to help ourselves,” Treliving said on Monday. “When you're sitting here in November, that's easier said than done. But that's certainly an area that we look at and see if there's a way that we can help ourselves.”
Toronto currently has $4.65 million in cap space via CapFriendly and can add three more professional contracts to its current pool. Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov has been floated as a potential trade target, given his past relationship with Treliving. Zadorov landed a huge-open ice hit on Tyler Bertuzzi on Nov. 10, then Zadorov’s agent, Dan Milstein, fueled rumours that his client wanted out of Calgary.
Another Flames defenseman, Chris Tanev, has also been linked to the Leafs as a potential target. Tanev grew up in Toronto and was a prototypical late bloomer but his strong relationship with then-Canucks executive Dave Gagner provided him with a chance at the NHL and he’s been one of the league’s best shot blockers for the past decade.
(Editor's note: All stats current entering Monday’s games)
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