Former Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk has his hands full trying to restore his career and reputation after his recent escapades, but he’s finally taken a step in the right direction by joining the NHL’s relief program, sports psychologist Sylvain Guimond said Wednesday.

29-year-old Galchenyuk’s contract was canceled by the Arizona Coyotes days after he was signed last week after police went very, very wrong.

Now the athlete has to focus on one thing, says Dr. Guimond: overcome his demons.

“The first thing he has to do will be some work on him,” he explained in an interview with the LCN network. Face your demons which is addiction and let those things go. I think he did the right thing by writing a letter expressing his regrets and saying his behavior was unacceptable.”

“It’s a privilege to play in the National League, it’s also a privilege to be a well-known personality,” said the psychologist. But with that comes the responsibility to be a role model, to be a respectful person, and in the case that interests us, his behavior towards the police was unacceptable, his statements were unacceptable. He will certainly face some charges.”

This whole saga was avoidable, said the man who got to work with Galchenyuk in his early years with the Canadiens.

“Unfortunately, people often go to the end before making a decision,” he said.

“In his case, it would have been better if it hadn’t come to this,” he continued. Unfortunately, it often takes something serious for the person to react and change certain things.

Thankfully, CH’s former first choice is finally getting good support.

“Most of the work still needs to be done, it’s not an easy task, but the National League is very well equipped to help with just that,” assured the ‘Doc’ Guimond.

“It’s sad because it’s a dream to play in the National League and that’s where it seems like it’s going to end in a nightmare,” he said. I hope he can come back and finish with a good result.”

Watch the full interview in the main video.