Predators' Connor Ingram voluntarily enters NHL/NHLPA player assistance program

The NHL and NHL Players’ Association announced on Monday that Nashville Predators goaltender Connor Ingram voluntarily entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program:

The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the National Hockey League (NHL) announced today that goaltender Connor Ingram of the Nashville Predators will be away from the team while voluntarily taking part in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

There will be no further comment.

As noted by the Associated Press (h/t NBC Sports), the NHL and NHLPA established the program in 1996. Players are able to call a confidential phone line regarding matters such as substance abuse and mental health.

According to Lindsay Kramer of Syracuse.com, Ingram was on Nashville’s taxi squad before Monday's announcement. He spent the 2019-20 season with the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League and recorded a 1.92 goals against average, a 0.933 save percentage and a record of 21-5-5.

Ingram has never appeared in an NHL game. 

Per On the Forecheck, Nashville is expected to call Kasimir Kaskisuo up from the AHL's Chicago Wolves to replace Ingram on the taxi squad. Kaskisuo will serve as the club's emergency goaltender through Ingram's absence.