Samuel Girard will take an indefinite leave of absence from the Colorado Avalanche after entering the Player Assistance Program, the NHL and NHLPA announced Friday.
The Avalanche defenseman has been away from the team since he wasn’t available for the club’s game Monday at Nashville. Coach Jared Bednar said Girard had left the team for personal reasons after the Avs’ loss to the Predators.
“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,” Girard said in a statement released by his agency, CAA.