Coyotes RW McGrattan enters abuse program

Dec 14, 2008 - 12:02 AM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Give Brian McGrattan credit - he apparently recognizes when he has a problem.

The NHL on Saturday announced the bruising right wing of the Phoenix Coyotes has voluntarily entered Stage 1 of the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program of the league and the Players' Association.

McGrattan, 27, will be administered care by Drs. Dave Lewis and Brian Shaw while in the program. He will continue to receive his full salary and benefits and will not be penalized by the NHL as long as he complies with the prescribed treatment and follow-up care program.

A fourth-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings in 1999, the 6-4, 235-pound McGrattan spent the first three seasons of his NHL career with Ottawa before being traded to Phoenix on June 25. In three games this campaign, the native of Hamilton, Ontario has recorded 12 penalty minutes and a minus-1 rating.

McGrattan has collected two goals, eight assists and 299 penalty minutes in 146 career contests with the Senators and Coyotes.