After taking time to heal his mental health, Samuel Girard put on his skates again Thursday morning.

The Quebec defenseman from the Colorado Avalanche skated alone before his team’s practice. He had been absent from team activities since the end of November.

At that time, Girard had called on the NHL assistance program to treat his “serious anxiety and depressive disorders that had been neglected for too long.” This is what he announced in a publication from his agency.

These health problems resulted in “alcohol abuse,” he added.

For the moment, we do not know when he will resume training with his teammates or the date of a potential return to play.

The defender played 15 games in 2023, collecting 1 goal and 3 assists. He won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022.