Quebec-based Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard will take advantage of the NHL’s player assistance program and its players’ association.
The league announced this on Friday.
I have made the decision to take care of my mental health and will be undergoing treatment to address severe anxiety and depression disorders that have been neglected for too long and have led to alcohol abuse.
Girard said in a release from his agency.
Taking care of your mental health is critically important and I encourage anyone who needs it to speak up and seek help. I would like to thank my wife, my family, my friends, the club, my teammates and the fans for their patience, understanding and support.
The 25-year-old has not played since his team’s 6-3 win in Dallas against the Stars on November 18th. The Avalanche have played two games since then, a 4-3 loss in Nashville and a 5-2 win over the Canucks. Head coach Jared Bednar had indicated that Girard was out of the game for personal reasons.
No return date has been set for Girard. According to the terms of the program, the Roberval defender will continue to receive his salary during his absence.
Girard and the Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2022.
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