Avs D Samuel Girard enters player assistance program

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program on Friday, and he will be away from the team indefinitely.

Girard did not play for Colorado on Monday and Wednesday, and the announcement of his extended absence was made before the Avalanche faced the Minnesota Wild on Friday night in Saint Paul, Minn.

Girard's representatives, CAA, posted a statement from the player on social media: "I have made a proactive decision to take care of my mental health and will be 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. 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."

The Avalanche will continue to pay Girard during his time in the assistance program. The club will be informed by program administrators when they approve his return to action.

In 15 games this season, Girard has one goal, three assists and a minus-7 rating. Last season, he posted career highs in goals (six) and assists (31) in 76 games.

A second-round draft pick of the Predators in 2016, Girard played five games for Nashville in 2017-18 before he was dealt to the Avalanche in a three-team trade on Nov. 5, 2017.

In seven NHL seasons, Girard has 29 goals, 156 assists and a minus-8 rating over 431 games.