Today the Colorado Avalanche announced that one of their top defenseman was nearing a return to the lineup after almost a month away. <h2>Avalanche Top Defenseman Enters Player Assistance Program</h2> Near the end of November, it was announced that Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard would be entering the Player Assistance Program. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/PR_NHL/status/1728194955108298930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1728194955108298930%7Ctwgr%5E154aa2ba713a5f2bcfd3dbe59f337eaeeb74b0f0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.markerzone.com%2Fnews%2FMajor20Update20on20Sam20Girard20Following20His20Entry20in20the20Players20Assistance20Program'> </a></blockquote></div> Girard later confirmed he was being treated for mental health problems including depression and anxiety. Since he entered the program not much has been heard from Girard. Today the Avalanche were able to provide a major update on his status. <h2>Avalanche Announce The Return Of Top Defenseman</h2> This morning Samuel Girard was seen at practice for the first time since entering the assistance program. His return was not announced ahead of time so of course media and fans had a lot of questions. <q>Avs Sam Girard is on the ice with the team this morning for the first time since leaving after 15 games to enter the NHL's Player Assistance program. In a statement at that time, he said he needed help with some mental health issues, depression and severe anxiety.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/TSN1200/status/1737893127992615275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1737893127992615275%7Ctwgr%5Ec7890bdb8938248e00a7f01d61e512f11d11fd90%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bladeofsteel.com%2Fcolorado-avalanche%2FAvalanche-defenceman-returns-to-team-after-stint-in-Players-Assistance-Program'> </a></blockquote></div> It has not been confirmed as of now when Girard will make his return to the lineup with the Avalanche. Colorado has 2 more games before the Christmas break which gives him an opportunity to play. However, it is more likely he will return after Christmas once he is reacclimated with the team. <a href='https://www.bladeofsteel.com/nhl-team/colorado-avalanche/Avalanche-defenceman-returns-to-team-after-stint-in-Players-Assistance-Program?fbclid=IwAR0K9nDDEJaByli8-jNpHE74QKOwWEqwGi7N07V6bEi2bFeNOyuGRSv3YcU' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>As Read On - Blade Of Steel - Avalanche defenceman returns to team after stint in Players Assistance Program</a>