Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard enters NHL player assistance program

Following word that he will enter the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance program, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard has released a statement on his decision via his representation at CAA Hockey.

Girard, 25, opened up about “entering treatment for severe anxiety and depression that has gone untreated for too long and led to 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," Girard's statement reads in part. "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."

What could be next for Avs, Girard?

The NHL notes that Girard will continue to be paid while he seeks treatment, while Cap Friendly points out that Girard’s $5M cap hit still counts toward Colorado’s salary cap, but with a key caveat. The Avalanche can place Girard on LTIR for cap relief if he is expected to miss at least 10 games and/or 24 days.

That detail could be up in the air, as his return is dictated by when he receives clearance to return to on-ice action by the program’s administrators.

Currently, Cap Friendly projects the Avalanche as right at the salary cap ceiling. While their cap conundrum is secondary to Girard's struggles, it remains a storyline to watch should Colorado look to make any moves in the near future.

The club has been hit hard with injuries in recent weeks to their depth, with reports from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman that they'd hoped to be active on the forward market in the coming weeks, including on unrestricted free agent Patrick Kane.

The Athletic’s Peter Baugh also indicated that Caleb Jones is likely to take Girard’s spot in Colorado’s lineup.

Girard’s contract runs through the 2026-27 season. He’s played 426 of his 431 career regular-season games with the Avalanche, plus 51 playoff contests, winning a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2021-22. He last played on November 18 against the Dallas Stars.