Former Player Calls Out The NHL's Players Assistance Program

During a discussion on a podcast former NHL player Scott Darling was having a discussion about the Player Assistance Program. When asked if Darling thinks the program is a good thing he had a very strong negative reaction.

Beyond saying they are monsters he also advised any player dealing with addiction not to seek help from the league and just deal with it on your own. He expanded on this by saying that the league will try and take away your contract if you do.

These are the first types of warnings we have heard from a player on the Player Assistance Program. Most reviews of it to this point have been positive.

In recent weeks we have seen several players enter the Player Assistance Program. From Brad Marchand to Samuel Girard players are taking advantage of the program more and more.

With these new warnings from Darling, players might reconsider entering the program which could be a bad thing if they truly need the help. However, if the program truly does have the ability to prey on players in need of help change is absolutely needed to improve the process.