Peaked with an opportunity to play a key role for the defending champ Pens and a medal-hopeful Team USA. Took failures in those roles, and subsequent media criticism, to heart. Injuries put him on the sidelines and on painkillers.
Went to SJ with a fresh start in mind, but continued to binge substances and live a superficial social life while isolating emotionally and spiraling down.
Rock bottom was being identified as a red flag by the Sharks, demoted to the minors, bought out, and finding no takers for a next contract. Went home and continued to spiral down until his family intervened and checked him into a clinic. Got out of the clinic, went right back to bed habits, and ended up in a second rehab stint. Lost the girlfriend he was building a house with.
Got back on his feet, engaged with charity work and family support, and is finishing his degree. Not to be cynical, but much of his recovery has to do with the massive financial resources he now draws from. That gave him access to rehab and extended therapy, a Venice beach retreat, a “spiritual advisor”, a nonprofit, cool hobbies, a degree, etc. A classic case of the double-edges of being young and famous and very wealthy.
