The Montreal Canadiens dealt with the uncertainty around Carey Price for 77 of the team’s 82 games last season. He had surgery in August and it sounded like he might be available to begin the regular season on time.
Even though he appeared on the verge on making his return to the lineup for most of the season, Price didn’t suit up for a game until April 15th. He would play a total of five games in the 2021-22 season.
Though he returned to the lineup late in the season after months of questions around his status, there are no guarantees that he will be available when next season begins. Price met with the media following the season and commented that if he still felt the same in the fall he wouldn’t be able to play.
He somewhat mysteriously talked about how he felt the way the Canadiens last game of the season went would be a great way to close out his career, IF that does happen to be his last game. It was kind of ominous, but he also stated he would battle as hard as he can to get back on the ice in the future.
He does have four years left on his contract with a cap hit of $10.5 million so there is time to get healthy before he runs out of chances. But it is starting to feel like the 2022-23 season will have as many questions about Carey Price’s availability as the 2021-22 season did.
Kent Hughes, the general manager of the Canadiens, was on Frank Seravalli’s Daily Face-off show yesterday and was asked about Price’s status. He basically said that it was status quo and that time will tell what steps Price can take next. He mentioned that Price had a “small procedure, but nothing like an operation” and they are waiting to see what the results are of that.
Montreal Canadiens General Manager, Kent Hughes joined @frank_seravalli and @JasonGregor on episode 140 of The DFO Rundown!
— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) June 24, 2022
Pres. by @DoorDash #DFODoorDash | #GoHabsGo
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That’s really not what you want to hear as a Habs fan. Obviously you want Price to be healthy, or at the very least hear that he is progressing in some way. It has been about 11 months since he had his initial surgery and he wouldn’t be healthy enough to be counted on for much if the new season began today.
It doesn’t, so perhaps we just need to be a bit more patient. But the longer it takes the 34 year old to get back to 100%, the more you worry it just won’t happen at all.
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