A pro hockey player, originally from the metro region has entered the N-H-L Players’ Association’s Player Assistance Program. The league and the union said yesterday that centreman Zach Dean will be in the program for an indefinite period and will return to the St. Louis Blues when cleared to do so.

There is no word on why Dean entered the program.

Dean, a 22-year-old centre from Mount Pearl, was a first-round draft pick by Vegas in 2021 and had been on the roster of the Springfield Thunderbirds of the AHL.

He also represented Canada on the national stage at the World Junior Championship in 2023.

Zach Dean of the @StLouisBlues to receive care from NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. https://t.co/Rv9DSWo31H pic.twitter.com/gvRf9xP8ff

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) September 10, 2025