St. Louis Blues prospect Zach Dean has entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program and will be unavailable indefinitely. The 22-year-old center was a first-round pick (30th overall) by Vegas in the 2021 NHL Draft before being traded to the Blues in 2023.
In this video, we break down:
– What the NHL Player Assistance Program is and how it works
– Zach Dean’s hockey career and path to the NHL
– His recent struggles with injuries in the 2024-25 season
– What this means for the St. Louis Blues organization
– Timeline for potential return to hockey
The NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program provides confidential support and treatment for players and their families dealing with mental health, substance use, or other personal issues. Dean will remain in the program until cleared by administrators.
Dean played nine games with the Blues in 2023-24 and has been developing with the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds. The former Gatineau Olympiques star helped Canada win gold at the 2023 World Junior Championship.
Stay tuned for updates on Zach Dean’s situation and other NHL news. Subscribe for the latest hockey updates and player news.
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