Montreal Canadiens: Carey Price Reaffirms Desire to Return in Press Conference

The Montreal Canadiens are about to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets in… let’s face it, a meaningless regular season game.

The Habs are the worst team in the league and we fans are just here to see who gets traded before the trade deadline on March 21st. A lot of veterans could be on the way out the door in the next seven weeks or so, but we will have to wait and see as most deals get made very close to deadline day.

It looks like Carey Price won’t be one of the veterans leaving town any time soon.

The veteran goaltender held a press conference this evening, facing questions from reporters for the first time since the end of the Stanley Cup Final. A lot has gone on in the Canadiens organization and the life of star goalie Carey Price since then.

If you need a recap: Price needed knee surgery, Price was left unprotected in the expansion draft, Price rumoured to be severely injured by knee injury, Price has knee surgery, Price is supposed to be healthy by start of season, Price checks into rehab for substance use, Price returns to team in November, Price has setbacks from knee recovery, Price does not play a game in first half of season, Price skates for like ten minutes this morning.

Then, Price holds press conference. He started it out talking about how grateful he is for the help he received when he checked into the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. He says he is doing well, knows how frustrating the process has been for everyone, himself included.

Price was asked whether he would play this season at all and stated it was a goal of his to return to the Canadiens this season. He has been frustrated by a couple of setbacks but is still hopeful he will be back in the lineup soon.

The 34 year old mentioned that a lot will be determined in the next couple of weeks. He has already been at the stage he currently is a couple of times already before having to shut things down and start over. If things progress well over the next couple weeks, he will be closer to playing than he has been at any point this season.

Price was also asked whether he plans on looking for a fresh start elsewhere by waving his no-movement clause but he said his family is settled in here and they are very happy in Montreal and content to stay. He reiterated he signed a long-term contract in Montreal with the expectation he would stay in Montreal.

Price closed out the 15 minute meeting by saying he is confident in the team’s training staff and knows he is getting the best treatment possible. He mentioned it is difficult to be in this situation where the team is struggling and he isn’t able to play.

He also said that being a goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens is a big part of his identity at this point in his life. He is fully committed to returning as soon as he possibly can.