MONTREAL — It was announced on Tuesday by Canadiens coaching staff that Carey Price is expected to return to soon.
Serving as a role model for many Indigenous youth in speaking out about the importance of mental health, the 34-year-old goalie is voluntarily taking part in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program and has been away from the Canadiens since Oct. 7.
Price held a 13-9 with stats of 2.28 goals-against average, .924 save percentage and one shutout in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season.
He did not take part in training camp after having arthroscopic surgery in New York on July 22 to repair a torn meniscus, with the Canadiens saying at the time his full recovery would take 10-12 weeks. He then resumed skating by Sept. 16 and talks told that he was in the Canadiens gym and medical clinic almost every day getting back into shape before entering the program.
But Price entered the assistance program on Oct. 7 and was expected to be away from the team for 30 days. While a specific return date is still to be determined, Friday would mark the end of his time in the program after dealing with what the team called a non-COVID-related-illness.
Jake Allen took over as the team’s starter with Sam Montembeault being picked up on waivers to be the backup, and Montreal has struggled to start the season going 2-8-0 in their first 10 games.
Price is entering his 15th NHL season with the Canadiens and in the fourth year of an eight-year, $84 million contract. Throughout his career, Price has appeared in six All-Star Games, won the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender, as well as the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay award, in the 2014-15 season. He also led Canada to a gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics
