Former Coyotes signing enters player assistance program, apologizes for arrest

Alex Galchenyuk issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon that he is entering the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, while also apologizing for his recent arrest that resulted in the Arizona Coyotes parting ways with him. 

The Coyotes had just signed Galchenyuk in free agency at the start of the offseason, but announced this past week that they were placing him on waivers for the purposes of terminating his contract.

It was later revealed that Galchenyuk had been arrested with some disturbing details. 

Galchenyuk was charged with private property hit and run, disorderly conduct, failure to obey, resisting arrest and threatening or intimidating, while also allegedly threatening to kill a police officer and their family. 

On Tuesday, Galchenyuk said the incident stemmed from drinking and inspired him to enter the assistance program for help.

Galchenyuk wrote the following in a social media post: 

I am beyond embarrassed and disappointed with myself and I feel awful for everyone I have let down. My family was counting on me to be better, the Coyotes and the amazing Coyotes fans deserve better and the brave police officers who risk their lives to keep us safe deserve better. I let them all down with my despicable and disrespectful behavior after drinking alcohol. Today, I am checking myself into the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. I am doing this to get the help I need and hope to never make a mistake like this again.

Galchenyuk was originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens with the No. 3 pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft and has played 654 games in his career with the Canadiens, Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche. 

He has scored 146 goals with 354 total points.

He previously played with the Coyotes during the 2018-19 season before being traded to the Penguins in exchange for Phil Kessel.