Long has the Montreal Canadiens fanbase waited for this day. Goaltender Carey Price will make his season debut tonight against the New York Islanders. He has missed all of the season so far, as he stepped back due to mental health reasons in October.
Mike Pezzetta will replace Tyler Pitlick in #Habs roster tonight and Corey Schueneman will replace Jordan Harris. Carey Price starting in goal #HabsIO
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) April 15, 2022
Carey Price To Have Season Debut Against New York Islanders
Back in October 2021, the NHLPA announced Price would be taking part in their Player Assistance Program. This program helps players with substance abuse, mental health, and other off-the-ice issues players may be experiencing. After months away from the game, Price has decided he is ready to lace them up again. While some fans may be angry that Price waited this long, now that the Canadiens are eliminated from playoff contention, the timing is actually perfect. With no pressure to perform, Price can get his feet under him again, and get some in-game experience with no consequences. After all, it’s extremely difficult to jump in cold to an NHL game after not playing for seven months.
The left-catching goaltender has spent his entire 15-year career with the Canadiens, winning a Vezina Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award, Jennings Trophy, and a Hart Trophy.
What This Means For the Canadiens
Forget having a future Hall-Of-Famer goaltender in net, Carey Price’s season debut means everything to the Canadiens. Seeing a player make a tough decision like Price made can make any player nervous about their future with the sport, and their future in general. With Price back in action, his teammates should be ecstatic he is recovered enough to play.
On the ice, there’s certainly a benefit to having Price in net. His first opponent is the struggling Islanders, who have a difficult time scoring. Expect his debut to come with many saves.
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