DENVER — Samuel Girard is about to make his return for the Colorado Avalanche after receiving care from the NHL/NHLPA participant help program.
Girard mentioned he’ll play Sunday at house towards San Jose in his first sport since Nov. 18. He entered this system on Nov. 24, citing nervousness and despair resulting in alcohol abuse as the rationale for in search of assist.
The league and Players’ Association mentioned on Dec. 22 that Girard had entered the follow-up care part of the joint program and was cleared to renew training. Playing is the following step.
Girard mentioned Saturday he “obviously needed that” and thanked everybody for his or her help.
“I’m excited I did it, and I’m very excited to be back,” he mentioned. “I’m a new person. … I feel more alive instead of hiding all this stuff in my head and my body, as well. It just feels good.”
The 25-year-old Girard, from Roberval, Quebec, is in his seventh full NHL season. He broke his sternum halfway by way of Colorado’s Stanley Cup run in 2022.
