Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard has taken an indefinite leave from the team to undergo rehab for alcohol abuse. The seven-year NHL veteran released a statement on social media X on Friday night, following his absence from the last two games due to “personal reasons.”
Via his agency CAA, Girard cited the decision as “proactive,” and that he is “entering treatment for severe, long-untreated anxiety and depression that resulted in alcohol abuse.”
“Taking care of your mental health is of the utmost importance, and I encourage everyone to speak up and seek help should you feel like you need it,” he wrote. “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.”
On the same day, the NHL and NHLPA announced Girard’s status to receive care from their Player Assistance Program. The 25-year-old will receive ongoing compensation during treatment. Upon clearance for on-ice competition by program administrators, he may also rejoin the team.
In an earlier social media post, Girard’s father, Tony, conveyed that Girard is in good hands and requested respect for his son’s privacy. Tony assured everyone they were maintaining contact with him and that the get-well messages from others deeply touched him.
“Our man is a fighter, a great fighter and will always honor our region and all of Quebec,” Tony wrote in a Facebook post. “Hockey is still his big passion!”
Team’s pursuit amid injury challenges
Girard, who is a native of Roberval, entered his seventh NHL season this year. Last year, he suffered a sternum injury during Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup run. He was drafted 47th overall by the Nashville Predators in 2016 and traded to his current team on November 5, 2017.
Girard played 76 games last season, which was the second-highest in his seven-year NHL career. Having played most of his 431 career regular-season games and 51 playoff contests with the Avalanche, he contributed to winning a Stanley Cup in 2021-22.
Prior to his recent departure, he had already participated in 15 games this season. His last game was on November 18 against the Dallas Stars, which ended in a 5-2 win for Colorado.
The team, grappling with recent injuries to their depth, had reportedly been active on the forward market. One of the moves includes pursuing unrestricted free agent Patrick Kane, according to reports from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. Formerly playing for the New York Rangers in the NHL, Kane was the first overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks.
On the other hand, The Athletic’s Peter Baugh suggests that Caleb Jones is likely to fill Girard’s spot in the lineup. Jones is a defenseman drafted 117th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. As of November 25, Jones has played six games and accumulated 0 points, one assist, four shots on goal, seven hits, and six blocked shots.
Salary cap hit considerations
Girard’s contract extends through the 2026-27 season. While seeking treatment, he will continue to receive his salary. The Canadian hockey website Cap Friendly points out that his $5M cap hit counts toward Colorado’s salary cap, with a crucial caveat.
The Avalanche can gain cap relief by placing Girard on Long-Term Injury Reserve (LTIR) if he is expected to miss at least ten games and/or 24 days. The timing of Girard’s return depends on when he receives clearance from the program’s administrators for on-ice action.
Currently, Cap Friendly projects the Avalanche at the salary cap ceiling, a storyline to monitor if Colorado considers future moves.