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.