A debate has sparked since Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price’s playing career has likely come to an end, albeit not the way anyone had hoped. Sure, he took the Habs to the 2021 Stanley Cup final, but the club ultimately got ousted by the powerhouse Tampa Bay Lightning and their high-octane offense, and otherworldly goaltending.
But Price has been the backbone of the franchise, and accomplished many feats, without much of a supporting cast. The question that looms is, did he do enough to become a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame?
Price never complained, but always showed up and lead with his quiet, cool demeanour. A guy that many would want their children to model their game and attitude after, Price is a goaltender’s goaltender and never shies away from the big moments. As evidenced by his trophy case of medals and honours.
The Canadiens are in the thick of a much needed, and long-awaited rebuild, but if the organization had been built properly during Price’s prime years, it’s hard to argue that he would have brought the team to the Stanley Cup final more than once. Voted by most as one of the best goaltenders, when active, Price has the hardware, the wins and the reputation amongst NHL players and management.
Setting aside his medals and trophies, Price was the man of the crease for his whole career, and that was never in question. He holds the all-time wins record, ahead of names like Jacques Plante, Patrick Roy and Ken Dryden, all of which had much better teams in front of them. Price, was arguably the best goaltender in the league, even while he was battling through ailments, stemming from the Chris Kreider accident.
I believe, that if right now Carey Price were healthy, he would be a lock to start for any Olympics or best-on-best tournament as the number-one goaltender for Team Canada. So, while Price might not have a Stanley Cup on his resume, he has achieved and accomplished every other accolade for a goalie. One of the greatest puck-handlers and such a poised, calm presence, Price was seemingly sipping tea in a rocking chair, while opponents tried to solve him.
Now, with his accolades taken into consideration, Price won the Vezina, the Hart Trophy, the Ted Lindsay Award and the William M. Jennings Trophy in 2014-15. He also backstopped the Canadian national team on three separate occasions – winning World Juniors gold in 2007, Olympic gold in 2014 and a World Cup of Hockey gold in 2016. For his play during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, he was awarded the top goaltender of the tournament award.
Price played his entire career with the Canadiens, debuting in 2007-08, the season following his Calder Cup win, with the American League’s Hamilton Bulldogs, he was also awarded the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as the Calder Cup tournament MVP. Price started in the NHL as a backup, before winning the role mid-season. Despite all the accomplishments, he remains the most humble guy in the room.
If the NHL wants to promote its players and show how integral a part of the league it is to have players like Carey Price, it would be wise for Lanny McDonald to pick up the phone and call Carey Price. Number 31 should be raised to the Centre Bell rafters amongst the greats, and he should go down as one of the greatest to ever pull on a mask, and strap on goalie pads.
There is no question he belongs in the Hockey Hall of Fame with the other greatest goaltenders to ever play the game of hockey.
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