The Montreal Canadiens held their annual locker cleanout on Saturday after closing out their season on Friday night.
Many of the team’s players met with the media and discussed everything from performance on the ice, to injuries, to offseason plans to potential surgery and rehabs in the coming months.
One of the players that spoke to the media and made the biggest statements was goaltender Carey Price.
The star netminder was nominated for the Bill Masterton Trophy this season because of his perseverance and dedication to the game of hockey. He battled back from knee surgery that came with several setbacks as well as some off-ice battles that included a trip to the Player Assistance Program for treatment for substance use.
Price was finally able to make his season debut on April 15th but the roller coaster ride was far from over. He played four games and then Cayden Primeau was called up to replace him on the roster as he went back to New York to meet with his surgeon.
Apparently things went well enough in that meeting, as Price played the final game of the regular season, stopping 37 of 39 shots. Everything was trending in the right direction then right? A normal offseason would get Price ready for the 2022-23 season if he was healthy enough to play Game 82?
Not so fast.
Price was asked if he thought at any point leading up to it, that Friday night’s game might be his last. The 34 year old was quite forthcoming with his answer as he admitted he prepared like it was the last game of his career. He mentioned it was an A+ day with everything from Pierre Gervais retirement gift being given out at the morning skate, to a win in front of his home fans that included his family.
He ended his response by saying “if it is it, that was a great way to do it.”
“You know if it is it, that would be a great way to do it”
— TSN 690 Radio (@TSN690) April 30, 2022
Carey Price acknowledged that he prepared for Friday being possibly his last NHL game. pic.twitter.com/A1RxOyaCS1
A great way indeed, but with four years left on his contract, Habs fans are selfishly hoping the goaltender will be back for many more games at the Bell Centre.
Price did go on to mention he didn’t feel his knee was healthy enough right now to go out and play 55-60 games next season. He also said he is a battler who will do everything he can to get right and play next season.
We are a long way from the end of this story, but it was a bit of a heart stopper when Price acknowledged he prepared for Friday night’s game like it could be his last.
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