Avalanche's Samuel Girard to Receive Care from NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard will be away from the team as he receives care from the NHL and NHLPA's joint player assistance program.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard will be away from his team indefinitely as he receives care from the Player Assistance Program, the NHL and NHL Players' Association announced Friday.

Girard will continue to be paid while receiving treatment from the joint NHL and NHLPA program, according to the release. He can return to the Avalanche once the program administrators clear him for on-ice competition. 

The case for any player who enters the program is no further details will be made available unless the player chooses to share them. After the announcement, Girard released a statement through his agent's company, CAA Hockey.

"I have made a proactive decision to take care of my mental health, and will be entering treatment for severe anxiety and depression that has gone untreated for too long and led to alcohol abuse," said Girard's statement. "Taking care of your mental health is of the utmost importance, and I encourage everyone to speak up and seek help should you feel you need it.

"I want to express my gratitude to my wife, family, friends, the club, my teammates, and the fans for their patience, understanding, and continued support."

Girard last played on Nov. 18 and recorded an assist against the Dallas Stars. Coach Jared Bednar said on Wednesday that Girard left the team for personal reasons and missed the team's games against the Predators and Canucks.

The 25-year-old from Roberval, Que., has a goal and four points in 15 games this season for the Avalanche, averaging 20:36 in ice time per game. It's his seventh season with the team after Colorado acquired him from the Nashville Predators in 2017. 

The Preds drafted Girard 47th overall in 2016, and since then, he's played 431 career regular-season games while recording 29 goals and 156 assists for 185 points. He also has 51 games of playoff experience, with two goals, 20 assists and a Stanley Cup victory with the Avalanche in 2021-22.

Here's wishing the best for Girard as he receives care.