On Wednesday, it was announced St. Louis Blues’ forward Zach Dean is entering the Player Assistance Program. The 22-year old will be unavailable to the Blues until he is released from the program.
Dean Enters Player Assistance Program
St. Louis Blues prospect Zach Dean will be in the NHL and NHL Players’ Association’s Player Assistance Program for an indefinite period and will return to the Blues when cleared by the program administrators. pic.twitter.com/lLMn6t7HFK
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) September 10, 2025
The Player Assistance Program offers help to players dealing with various issues, including mental health. It offers access to a confidential phone line, counseling, and treatment, ensuring player privacy. Players remain paid while in the program and are only cleared for return when program administrators deem them ready.
Dean and the Blues
Dean joined the Blues in a 2023 trade with the Vegas Golden Knights. The Blues, sellers at that season’s trade deadline, traded Ivan Barbashev to Vegas and received Dean in return. Dean was the first-overall pick of the Golden Knights in 2021.
Dean has not played in the NHL since the 2023-24 season. He played in his first nine NHL games with the Blues that season. The forward recorded no points in those games.
The Human Behind the Blue Note
Dean is clearly going through something. It is good that he has reached out for help. We hope Dean receives the help he is seeking. Furthermore, we look forward to seeing Dean return to the ice.
Main Photo: Robert Edwards- Imagn Images
