Samuel Girard is set to make his return for the Colorado Avalanche after receiving care from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

Girard said he'll play Sunday at home against San Jose in his first game since Nov. 18. He entered the program on Nov. 24, citing anxiety and depression leading to alcohol abuse as the reason for seeking help.

Samuel Girard has been cleared to resume practicing with the Colorado Avalanche after receiving care from the player assistance program.

The NHL and NHL Players' Association announced Friday that Girard has entered the follow-up care phase of the joint program. He has not been cleared to play in games.

Veteran winger Tomas Tatar is on the move again with the Colorado Avalanche trading him Friday to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for a 2024 fifth-round pick.

Tatar signed a one-year deal with the Avalanche with the expectation he could provide the 2022 Stanley Cup champions with the sort of secondary scoring that could help them win a second title in three years.

Former NHL player and coach Tony Granato said on social media Sunday night that he has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is taking a leave of absence from TV work for NBC Sports Chicago and the NHL Network.

The 59-year-old Granato posted on social media that he will begin treatment this week.