Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Girard, who has been away from the team for the last week, is entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

Here is the official release from the league regarding the situation…

The National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players’ Association announced today that Samuel Girard of the Colorado Avalanche will be unavailable to his Club for an indefinite period while he receives care from the Player Assistance Program of the NHLPA and NHL.

Under the terms of the joint program, Girard will continue to be paid while receiving treatment. He will return to the Club when cleared for on-ice competition by the program administrators.

Girard released a statement through his agency regarding his decision to enter the program.

A statement from CAA Hockey client Sam Girard. pic.twitter.com/IE4hlAG0ZI

— CAA Hockey (@CAAHockey) November 24, 2023

Girard was off to a strong start to the season with the Avalanche, playing a lot of minutes in every situation, but him prioritizing his health is far more important. He deserves credit for being so open and honest about what he’s dealing with, because he really didn’t have to be. That transparency may help someone down the line who is struggling with something similar.

We here at Colorado Hockey Now are wishing Girard the best as he goes through the program.