Austin Watson's indefinite suspension ended Monday when he was reinstated, effective immediately, to the Predators' active roster.

Watson was suspended indefinitely by the league on Jan. 29 and admitted into stage two of the league's substance abuse and behavioral health program for what the league and the players' association called an alcohol-related relapse.

Watson had to be cleared by the program's administrators before he could be reinstated. He has entered the follow-up care phase of the program, the team said.

"Because of the personal nature and the steps outlined in the substance abuse and behavioral health program, and our exclusive focus on Austin and his family's well-being, there will be no further comment on this matter," the Predators said in a statement.

Watson was suspended for the first 18 games of the season after he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor domestic assault against his girlfriend. That initial suspension cost him more than $241,000 in salary. He missed 21 games during his latest suspension.

He is expected to rejoin the team Tuesday for its morning skate before the Predators face the Maple Leafs at 7 p.m. at Bridgestone Arena.

A timetable for his possible return to playing in games has not been set.

Watson, 27, is in his fifth NHL season, all with the Predators, who selected him with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2010 draft.

Before his most recent suspension, Watson shared in an Instagram post his struggles with alcoholism and depression.

Before he returned from his first suspension, Watson expressed his gratitude to the team for helping him through a difficult time in his life.

"It’s not just this season or this week. It’s just continuing to try to grow, try to learn, try to get better," Watson said in November.

Reach Paul Skrbina at pskrbina@tennessean.com and follow him on Twitter @PaulSkrbina.

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