The Calgary Flames released a statement on X today stating that forward Dillon Dubé has been granted an indefinite leave of absence to be away from the team as he attends to his mental health. The statement reads in full:
Dillon Dubé has been granted an indefinite leave of absence from the team while he attends to his mental health. Dillon is under the care of health professionals, and we request that Dillon’s privacy is respected during this period.
It’s been a difficult season for Dubé performance-wise. He has not registered a point since November 25th, and has seen his ice time decline sharply, registering under 10 minutes of ice time on a regular basis. That would have been unheard of just a year ago, when the former top prospect broke out for 18 goals and 45 points. Dubé was even a healthy scratch for some games, which is certainly not an ideal circumstance for a two-time 18-goal scorer and a pending restricted free agent.
That being said, the fact that Dubé is now taking the time he needs to attend to his personal health is undoubtedly a positive development. For as much attention as teams, fans, and the media pay to players’ on-ice exploits, what happens on the ice is ultimately still just a game. Dubé’s health is of far greater importance. If Dubé manages to get the care he needs, then the 2023-24 season will undoubtedly be a positive one for him regardless of where his final stat line ends up.
As for where this leaves the Flames, it seems Matt Coronato could get back into the regular NHL lineup with Dubé away. In terms of where this leaves the team from a roster perspective, there was no word on how the team plans to handle Dubé’s absence. There is some precedent at play here, as back in 2021 Jonathan Drouin had his own indefinite absence from the Montreal Canadiens. The team placed Drouin on long-term injured reserve, so perhaps the Flames take that route with Dubé.
All of us at PHR extend our best wishes to Dubé that he receives the help he needs.
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