Over a month ago it was announced that Samuel Girard would be entering the NHL's Player Assistance Program. After the NHL made their announcement Girard provided a statement of his own confirming he was dealing with mental health issues.
Girard admitted he was dealing with anxiety and depression that had led to substance abuse. After 5 weeks in the Player Assistance Program Girard resurfaced at Avalanche practice last week.
Now he seems ready to return and has shared a special message to others dealing with mental health and substance abuse problems.
During his first media availability since being out of the program, Girard spoke to anyone dealing with the same issues he has been experiencing. He encourages anyone to speak up and ask for help.
Girard is set to make his return against the San Jose Sharks tomorrow night. He has become yet another example and mentor for anyone who also deals with mental health and substance abuse problems.
| POLL | ||
DÉCEMBRE 30 | 90 ANSWERS Samuel Girard Makes Emotional Statement Upon His Return From Player Assistance Program Will Samuel Girard score in his return to the lineup? | ||
| Yes | 31 | 34.4 % |
| No | 59 | 65.6 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
|
LIVE
APRIL 21, 2026
| ||||
| G | A | PTS | ||
| Viktor Arvidsson | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Dylan Guenther | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Brandon Hagel | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Jonathan Aspirot | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Anthony Cirelli | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Jack Eichel | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Casey Mittelstadt | - | 2 | 2 | |
| David Pastrnak | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Kailer Yamamoto | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Josh Anderson | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Ivan Barbashev | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Bowen Byram | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Logan Cooley | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Morgan Geekie | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Lane Hutson | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Peyton Krebs | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Nikita Kucherov | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Janis Jerome Moser | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Mark Stone | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Mackenzie Weegar | 1 | - | 1 | |
| COMPLETE STATS | ||||
| 2025-2026 NHL STANDINGS | ||||||
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Sabres | 82 | 50 | 23 | 9 | 109 | |
| Lightning | 82 | 50 | 26 | 6 | 106 | |
| Canadiens | 82 | 48 | 24 | 10 | 106 | |
| Bruins | 82 | 45 | 27 | 10 | 100 | |
| Senators | 82 | 44 | 27 | 11 | 99 | |
| Red Wings | 82 | 41 | 31 | 10 | 92 | |
| Panthers | 82 | 40 | 38 | 4 | 84 | |
| Maple Leafs | 82 | 32 | 36 | 14 | 78 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Hurricanes | 82 | 53 | 22 | 7 | 113 | |
| Penguins | 82 | 41 | 25 | 16 | 98 | |
| Flyers | 82 | 43 | 27 | 12 | 98 | |
| Capitals | 82 | 43 | 30 | 9 | 95 | |
| Blue Jackets | 82 | 40 | 30 | 12 | 92 | |
| Islanders | 82 | 43 | 34 | 5 | 91 | |
| Devils | 82 | 42 | 37 | 3 | 87 | |
| Rangers | 82 | 34 | 39 | 9 | 77 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Avalanche | 82 | 55 | 16 | 11 | 121 | |
| Stars | 82 | 50 | 20 | 12 | 112 | |
| Wild | 82 | 46 | 24 | 12 | 104 | |
| Mammoth | 82 | 43 | 33 | 6 | 92 | |
| Blues | 82 | 37 | 33 | 12 | 86 | |
| Predators | 82 | 38 | 34 | 10 | 86 | |
| Jets | 82 | 35 | 35 | 12 | 82 | |
| Blackhawks | 82 | 29 | 39 | 14 | 72 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Golden Knights | 82 | 39 | 26 | 17 | 95 | |
| Oilers | 82 | 41 | 30 | 11 | 93 | |
| Ducks | 82 | 43 | 33 | 6 | 92 | |
| Kings | 82 | 35 | 27 | 20 | 90 | |
| Sharks | 82 | 39 | 35 | 8 | 86 | |
| Kraken | 82 | 34 | 37 | 11 | 79 | |
| Flames | 82 | 34 | 39 | 9 | 77 | |
| Canucks | 82 | 25 | 49 | 8 | 58 | |
COMPLETE STANDINGS | ||||||