The NHL and NHLPA announced on Tuesday afternoon that Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson had been placed in Stage Two of Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program (SABH) of the NHL and NHLPA for ongoing issues with alcohol abuse.

Under conditions of the program, Watson will be suspended without pay until he is cleared for an on-ice return by the program's administrators.

Watson, 27, was suspended last summer for 27 games and the entirety of the preseason following a no-contest plea to a domestic assault charge involving his girlfriend in Franklin, TN. An independent arbitrator later reduced Watson's suspension to 19 games.

A native of Ann Arbor, MI, Watson has appeared in 34 games for the Preds this season, scoring seven goals and adding six assists.