Alex Galchenyuk to enter NHL/NHLPA player assistance program

Free-agent forward Alex Galchenyuk is entering the NHL and NHLPA’s player assistance program after being arrested on multiple charges earlier this month and having his contract for next season terminated by the Arizona Coyotes, ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reports today.

Just days after his contract was terminated on July 13, multiple outlets obtained the police report of Galchenyuk’s July 9 arrest in Scottsdale, Ariz., which revealed Galchenyuk allegedly made violent threats and used racial slurs toward officers. He has since reached out to apologize to the Scottsdale officers involved in a letter expressing remorse, Kaplan says.

Per Kaplan, Galchenyuk could enter the player assistance program as early as Tuesday. He was charged with various misdemeanors stemming from the arrest, including a hit-and-run charge as originally reported by The Athletic’s Katie Strang, and released on his own recognizance after the arrest.

Kaplan says Galchenyuk also apologized directly to the Coyotes organization. While not signed by an NHL team, Galchenyuk is still eligible to receive assistance as a member of the NHLPA. His entrance to the program will not impact his contract status with Arizona, and he will remain an unrestricted free agent after exiting the program.