Jordin Tootoo enters NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse Program

by Dirk Hoag on Dec 27, 2010 4:52 PM EST in Nashville Predators News

In a surprising development this afternoon, the NHL announced that Jordin Tootoo has entered the league's Substance Abuse Program, and will be out of the lineup for an unspecified time.

The lone statement from the Nashville Predators is as follows:

"We offer Jordin the full support of his teammates, coaches and the organization. There is no timetable for his return and we will have no further comment at this time." - GM David Poile

Earlier this morning, Josh Cooper of The Tennessean noted that Jordin wasn't on the ice at practice, and I guess we now know why.

Obviously we at OTF and all Predators fans wish him the best as he works through these personal issues. After the tragic story of his brother's suicide following a drunk-driving arrest in 2001, it's encouraging to see at least that whatever the specific problem is here, Jordin's going to get some help.

The following comes from the NHL's press release on the matter:

Tootoo's care will be administered by SABH Program Doctors Dave Lewis and Brian Shaw. He'll receive his full salary during his treatment and will have no penalties imposed on him as long as he complised [sic] with his prescribed treatment and follow-up care program.

The most recent example of a player entering this program which I've found so far is Brian McGrattan, who was with Phoenix in December 2008 when he went in. He came back the next season to play 34 games for the Calgary Flames.

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Comments

Jesus...

Didn’t really see that coming…

EASports' NHL 11 doesn't suck; in fact, it's really damn good! Wait, what!?
Go Predators!!!

by Poiju on Dec 27, 2010 4:58 PM EST reply actions

Wow – not exactly something I expected to ever hear out of this organization, but then again, I have no idea what the backstory is.

Whatever the case may be, I think I can speak for all Predators fans when I say get well, Toots, and we’ve got your back.

Spals to the wall.

by Chris Burton on Dec 27, 2010 4:59 PM EST reply actions

We agree!!!

Too bad for Toots…best wishes for a speedy recovery!

by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Dec 27, 2010 8:42 PM EST up reply actions

Talk about a punch to the face...

…from that headline.

Get well, Toots. We’ll be waiting semi-patiently.

by rusherman on Dec 27, 2010 5:04 PM EST reply actions

Best wishes from CapsNation, for both player and team.

Hope Jordin finds some answers, even though we didn’t even know there were any questions.

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Dec 27, 2010 5:42 PM EST reply actions

Good to see he is getting some help.
Follow through, Jordin, plenty of time to party later.
You have a lot of people counting on you, and a lot of kids looking up to you.
This will be easier than making it to the NHL.

by cisar on Dec 27, 2010 5:45 PM EST reply actions

Good for Toots for being willing to seek treatment. It’s no secret to Nashvillians that he’s out at local bars ALL the time, but I never thought it was a serious problem. Hope he works this out, we’re all cheering for him.

by PF98 on Dec 27, 2010 6:05 PM EST reply actions

Best wishes to Jordin and the team from Avalanche country.

2010-2011 Colorado Avalanche: pretty good at hockey since they can't get into the bars yet.

by Hopfenkopf on Dec 27, 2010 6:07 PM EST reply actions

Best Wishes Jordin

All our prayers are with you and your family during this trying time.

by HardCorePredFan316 on Dec 27, 2010 6:13 PM EST reply actions

on the "bright" side of things

whatever the problem is, it should be afraid. Very afraid. Jordin’s going to kick the snot out of it.

Spals to the wall.

by Chris Burton on Dec 27, 2010 6:26 PM EST reply actions

Get well Toots

You have a lot of people behind you. We will be praying for you and your family. Your Preds family is with you.

by ablairnash on Dec 27, 2010 6:30 PM EST reply actions

Toots will do it

He’s come from a small rink just below the Arctic Circle to the NHL—and overcome culture shock, discrimination and the suicide of an NHL-bound older brother along the way. Now he has taken another major step. This time all of us at Bridgestone Arena have his back.

by Hockey Hillbilly on Dec 27, 2010 6:44 PM EST reply actions

thoughts and prayers

I have met him on a couple of occasions over the years and has been nothing but a polite, sweet, quiet young man. I am so glad that he is getting the help that he needs and will continue to pray for his well being as i do for all the “boys” on my Preds. We look forward to seeing you back on the ice when the time comes.

by Wendy H on Dec 27, 2010 6:50 PM EST reply actions

Bigger things in life...

than the Preds problems to score.

It may not be alcohol related though I am sure many folks would guess that. However, there is really no need to speculate. Tootoo will get the help he needs, regardless of the nature of the problem

Mcgrats came back the following year. Even if Toots is gone a long time, its for the best.
Though I despise him, weeks or months from now i can easily imagine how the crowd will respond to their returning hero.

by DontfeedtheBelak on Dec 27, 2010 7:03 PM EST reply actions

One of the loudest ovations I’ve ever heard came when Bob Probert returned to the Detroit lineup after his stint in federal prison on cocaine charges. He battled those personal demons for pretty much his entire adult life, but the fans didn’t give up on him.

On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Preds (be sure to check out my discount offer on Nashville Predators tickets). Catch me on Twitter at @Forechecker, or join our legions on Facebook at Facebook.com/OnTheForecheck.

by Dirk Hoag on Dec 27, 2010 7:41 PM EST up reply actions

yep

Jordin’s return darn well better be at home. I’ll make it a point to be there in full throat.

Spals to the wall.

by Chris Burton on Dec 27, 2010 7:43 PM EST up reply actions

Wow...

I had no idea. I knew the guy liked to party, but didn’t think it was a problem. Good luck to him, and we’ll miss his presence on the ice.

by DonBorvio on Dec 27, 2010 7:25 PM EST reply actions

Let’s be clear – nobody has any idea what the specific problem is.

Spals to the wall.

by Chris Burton on Dec 27, 2010 7:29 PM EST up reply actions

True, but I’m hoping it’s not something else. Because that means harder substances, most likely.

by DonBorvio on Dec 27, 2010 7:33 PM EST up reply actions

If Josh Hamilton can Unfuck his life

Who can’t do the same for theirs?

(Before thinking this is a stab at somebody, look up the Story of Josh Hamilton first)

ART.I§8-11; AM I-XXVII Not a suggestion, but an obligation.
I Love learning our founding history.
Second City Hockey, Seriously dude, we do talk about hockey sometimes!

by Toews-makes-funny-faces on Dec 27, 2010 7:31 PM EST reply actions

I’ve read it in the past, his is quite the comeback story. So, no offense taken. :)

by DonBorvio on Dec 27, 2010 7:34 PM EST up reply actions

I knew he had a women problem...

…but these kind of things tend to go hand in hand. We all hit hick-ups in life. I hope and pray that this resolves itself quickly and we get our buddy back real soon!

by preds4ever on Dec 27, 2010 8:32 PM EST reply actions

Best of luck to Tootoo and you will missed.
Does this mean more Belak? *sigh

by predhead33 on Dec 27, 2010 9:21 PM EST reply actions

My best wishes to hardcore Pred Jordin Tootoo

The Preds can wait – Jordin’s personal development is much more important that tomorrow’s game (or the next.) My life was pretty tough when I was his age – although I didn’t make his kind of money I made pretty good money and “lived the lifestyle.” Eventually I was able to find some balance in my life and I hope Jordin does too. My thoughts and concerns are with him and the rest of the Tootoo family, this is a fine man and we sure like him here in Guitar Town.

"The problem with the world is everyone is a few drinks behind" - Humphrey Bogart

by eamus-catuli on Dec 27, 2010 9:48 PM EST reply actions