Austin Watson Placed in NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse Program, Suspended Indefinitely

Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsAccording to a NHL announcement, Austin Watson has been placed in Stage Two of the joint NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program “for treatment related exclusively to his ongoing issues with alcohol abuse.”

This stage of the SABH Program mandates immediate suspension without pay until the player receiving treatment is cleared by persons involved with the program to return to play.

The Nashville Predators are saddened and disappointed for Austin Watson and his family as he enters the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program for alcohol-related treatment. We are grateful for the NHL and NHLPA’s program and will cooperate in any way…