In a surprising development ahead of tonight's game against the Phoenix Coyotes, Nashville Predators winger Jordin Tootoo has been cleared to play after complying with the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse Program. The following statement was released by the NHL:
The National Hockey League Players' Association and the National Hockey League announced today that forward Jordin Tootoo of the Nashville Predators has been cleared to play in NHL games while he continues to participate in the follow-up care phase of the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program of the NHLPA and the NHL.
Tootoo's care continues to be administered by SABH Program Doctors Brian Shaw (NHLPA) and Dave Lewis (NHL).
There will be no further comment at this time.
The next question becomes, will he play tonight? He's been practicing with the team for some time now, so physically he should be ready to go.
UPDATE: Per Ryan Porth of RLDHockey, he will play.