The Montreal Canadiens released an update on the health of star goaltender Carey Price this afternoon. The club revealed that Price underwent surgery on Friday (July 23, 2021), to correct an issue with his knee.
Price is expected to be ready for the start of the season on October 13, in Toronto.
Carey Price underwent knee surgery on Friday, and is expected to be ready for the start of the 2021-22 season.#GoHabsGo https://t.co/bbzjy09ShB
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 23, 2021
Carey Price Undergoes Surgery on Knee, Avoids Surgery on Hip
The Canadiens left Price unprotected in this past week’s expansion draft. Then, information leaked that Price’s health may have been worse than anticipated. Word spread that the netminder’s hip was also injured and may require surgery. This cast doubt on Price’s ability to play in the 2021-22 season.
Although Price does have a hip injury, the report today confirmed it is healthy enough to avoid surgery.
In hindsight, the initial uncertainty regarding Price’s future may have been a bit of smoke and mirrors on behalf of the Canadiens, to avoid the possibility of Seattle selecting him in the draft.
It was reported that Seattle considered taking Price and his massive $10.5 million cap-hit, but ultimately passed on him, opting for younger options in Chris Driedger, Vitek Vanecek, and Joey Daccord.
What Does This Mean Going Forward
It’s not ideal when a 33-year-old goaltender undergoes knee surgery, but the 10-12 week turnaround means that Montreal can prepare to have Price ready, or at least close to ready, for the start of next season.
In the meantime, Jake Allen will provide sufficient coverage in net while Price makes his recovery through training camp.
Price will look to pick up next season where he left off, having backstopped the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final.
Price compiled 13 wins on Montreal’s unexpected postseason run, with a stellar 2.28 goals-against-average and .924 save percentage.
A healthy Price will be a welcome sight to start next season, after Canadiens’ fans were dealt the unfortunate news that Shea Weber is likely facing retirement.
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