The NHLPA is of course going to try and defend a member and protect their rights, that is there job. Its a high bar to be banned from the NHL by the NHL. None of this rationalizes his (unknown) actions. I would think he did something pretty bad for the Hawks to terminate his contract rightly or wrongly). Maybe in the Hawks situation, they drew a line because of the 2010 incident, and since they suck, no harm to them as to making the playoffs or a cup run.
The Oilers, they are going for a cup, forget character, rehab magically in 30 days, or drawing a line, lets get a cup. I just think it sends the wrong message: If you are a very good hockey player, we will look the other way. I don't like it and I'm not against Perry or the Oilers.