TORONTO/NEW YORK (January 29, 2019) -- The National Hockey League Players’ Association and National Hockey League announced today that forward Austin Watson of the Nashville Predators has been placed in Stage Two of the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program (SABH) of the NHL and NHLPA for treatment related exclusively to his ongoing issues with alcohol abuse.

Under the terms of the joint program, Watson will be suspended without pay until cleared for on-ice competition by the program administrators.

Watson’s care will be administered pursuant to the NHL/NHLPA SABH Program.

added 5:09pm, Statement from the Nashville Predators is below.