Sometimes in life, there are more important things than sports. You the reader can determine where you stand on those specific issues, but one issue that is likely to be universally considered more important than sports is the issue of addiction and mental health. This particular instance is a serious matter as it affects the Colorado Avalanche and one of the members of their family.
Unfortunately for the Colorado Avalanche, Samuel Girard recently entered the player assistance program. Although this leaves a hole on the second defensive pairing for Colorado, the bigger concern, obviously, is for Samuel’s health and well-being as he will be out indefinitely to receive the care he needs.
Playing hockey is not as important as his overall health, and we here at Mile High Sticking wish him the best in his battle. Whether he comes back to play hockey this season, next season, or ever again, the staff here is far more concerned with Sam the person, and hoping he gets the help he needs and can continue to live a productive and fulfilling life for himself and his family.
The Avalanche now have a void in the second defensive pairing. With a tight salary cap situation and the league in full swing, it won’t be easy for Colorado to fill that void, but there are a few options or directions they can utilize in trying to fill the void. Surely the front office will be creative in either trading for a player, signing a free agent, or looking in house for a replacement for now. Here are some options in those avenues for the Avalanche moving forward.