The Montreal Canadiens have made some interesting moves this offseason, but will still enter the 2022-23 season as serious underdogs. The one thing that could have drastically changed that outlook would have been a healthy Carey Price.
After a quiet season that saw Price ultimately play just five games late in the year, it was hoped he would be back and healthy for the upcoming season. Recent news suggests that will not be the case at all.
Kent Hughes, general manager of the Canadiens, made a trade yesterday to acquire Sean Monahan from the Calgary Flames. He also acquired a future 1st round pick in that deal, because Monahan has struggled recently and will earn $6.375 million against the salary cap for one more season.
When news broke that Monahan was heading to Montreal, the first question asked was, how will they fit him under the cap? Was someone heading the other way with a big contract? Was there another deal in the works that would send a big contract out of town?
Unfortunately, no. The reason the Canadiens will have enough cap space to fit in Monahan’s contract is because Carey Price is unlikely to be ready to start the season.
Hughes met with the media shortly after the trade was announced, and mentioned they don’t think there is a path for Price to play again unless he undergoes surgery. They will learn more information at the physical taken in training camp, but the Canadiens general manager went so far as to say it is possible Price doesn’t play next season at all.
Kent Hughes says news on Carey Price's knee is discouraging. Don't expect him available at start of the season. Possibly won't be able to return at all this season.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) August 18, 2022
Although the Habs are unlikely to contend for a playoff spot next season, this isn’t news any fan of the Canadiens wants to hear. Price has played a pivotal role in any success the team has had in the past decade and deserves better than to be forced out of the game due to injuries.
Price just turned 35 earlier this month, an age where NHL players are known to be winding down their careers. Having missed all but five games last season, and potentially missing the entire 2022-23 season, it is possible we have seen the last of Carey Price with the Montreal Canadiens.
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