Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price will be voluntarily stepping away from the team to take part in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. This program assists players with their mental health, substance abuse, and other matters not related to the game.
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Carey Price Taking Part In Player Assistance Program
Price is one of the most well-known names around the league and is considered one of the greatest goalies of all time. Having that much pressure to perform puts a lot of weight on a player’s shoulders. Even with the amount of NHL experience Price has under his belt, it’s still taxing on the body and mind. While we don’t know why Price is choosing to start this program, we know that there is a serious issue. Just a few days ago, Price was ruled out with a non-COVID related illness by the team. Now, it’s clear they didn’t want to break this news to the public before Price was ready. Whatever the reason why Price decided to take part in the program, we all hope he comes back to the game in a better state.
How the Canadiens Adjust
The impact news like this has on a team cannot be understated. Losing a star player to a non-injury like this is uncommon, but not unheard of. While Carey Price has made the decision he feels is best to help him, the Canadiens will be shaken. It’s likely they were already talked to about this, but it still doesn’t change the magnitude of the situation. There could be signs of uneasiness within the locker room without the veteran presence of Price. Everyone within the organization is certainly hoping for a speedy recovery for Price.
On the ice, Jake Allen will assume the duties of starting goaltender for Montreal. He’s been fantastic as Price’s backup and will have no trouble keeping pucks out of the net game in and game out.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
