Tootoo cleared to practice with Predators

Jordin Tootoo is back with the Nashville Predators, but for the time being he’ll only practice with the team as he recovers from alcohol abuse.

The National Hockey League issued a release Jan. 31 saying the 28-year old forward from Rankin Inlet is cleared to resume practicing with the Predators.

Tootoo checked out of a Los Angeles-area detox facility and is now taking part in the “follow-up care phase” of the league’s substance abuse program, the league said in a statement.

But he isn’t yet cleared to suit up for games or travel with the Predators on road trips, the release stated. The league said would offer no further comment.

Tootoo left the Predators Dec. 27 to check in to a rehab facility amid statements of support from family and teammates.

Before that, he’d appeared in 32 games with Nashville, scoring four goals and six assists, and leading the team with 47 penalty minutes.