With the recent acquisition of Sean Monahan, there was some speculation on how the Montreal Canadiens would fit him into the salary cap. Shortly after, the Canadiens announced that Carey Price was unlikely to return for the 2022-2023 season. Price previously had a knee injury that does not appear to be improving.
Carey Price Out; Not Likely to Play Next Season
Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes says he doesn’t see a path for Carey Price to return and play during the 2022-23 season.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) August 18, 2022
Canadiens GM Kent Hughes stated, “it’s very unlikely, if not impossible, Price can return to play.” After sustaining a knee injury, the 35-year-old had surgery last summer but was expected to be ready at the beginning of the season. However, that got de-railed when it was announced that he was seeking help from the NHLPA/NHL player assistance program last October for substance abuse. And after all that he dealt with during last season, he was named the winner of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for the 2021-2022 season. He missed all but five games where he went 1-4. His only win of the season came against the Florida Panthers in the final game of the season.
Price’s Career
The veteran goaltender has been with Montreal since 2007. Price had a career record of 361 wins, 261 losses, and 79 overtime losses in 712 games played. He ended his career with a goals-against-average was 2.51 and a save percentage of .917%. The Canadien had six all-star game appearances throughout his career. During the 2014-2015 season, he won the Hart Memorial Trophy, Ted Lindsay Trophy, Vezina Trophy, and the William M. Jennings Trophy.
Price has been a pillar for this team for 15 seasons. He has been a leader on and off the ice and his locker room presence will be missed. Between his on-ice performance and his character, the Canadiens have some big shoes to fill. Price has faced a lot of adversity the past year and has handled it with grace. He had four years left on his contract at 10.5 million dollars a year. This will allow them some space to make moves going forward.
