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DENVER — Samuel Girard will take an indefinite leave of absence from the Colorado Avalanche after entering the Player Assistance Program, the NHL and NHLPA announced Friday.

The Avalanche defenseman has been away from the team since he wasn’t available for the club’s game Monday at Nashville. Coach Jared Bednar said Girard had left the team for personal reasons after the Avs’ loss to the Predators.

“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,” Girard said in a statement released by his agency, CAA. “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.”

Girard has one goal and four points in 15 games for the Avs this season. He missed the team’s game Nov. 13 against Seattle, but returned for contests against Anaheim and Dallas before this current leave of absence.

“Under the terms of the joint program, Girard will continue to be paid while receiving treatment,” the joint statement from the NHL and NHLPA said. “He will return to the (Avalanche) when cleared for on-ice competition by the program administrators.”

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