Colorado Avalanche want to work Sam Girard in slowly

It’s been a tough time for Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Girard as he was placed in the NHL’s player assistance program earlier in the season. Girard is ready to return to the team, however, and wants to get back to helping the team win.

Colorado’s defense has received criticism as of late, and even one of the team’s stars called them out for not performing up to standards. When Girard officially returns to the lineup, it will be interesting to see how long it takes for him to get back into the swing of things.

I think that we need to go easy on Girard because of what he has gone through that led to his absence. We do need to remember that these guys are human beings, too, and have a lot of pressure on their shoulders. Some people handle criticism a lot better than others, and that’s not a shot at Girard by any means—the point is, we just don’t know how badly words can hurt someone sometimes. Unfortunately, some take it too far.

At the end of the day, for us fans, the game of hockey should not be taken as seriously as some make it out to be. I am not sure the extent of what Girard went through, but I do know people have talked and Girard has heard/seen rumors, particularly about trading him.

Yes, everybody is entitled to their opinions and ideas, but I think that itjust got a bit out of hand. With that being said, Girard should be welcomed back with open arms. It wouldn’t surprise me if, when he returns to home ice, Avs Nation will have a standing ovation ready for him the second they see him in warmups.

Girard has four years remaining on his contract, earning $5 million per.