Ken Dryden shares his thoughts about Carey Price

The Montreal Canadiens storied history has ensured that certain numbers are unavailable.

From Jacques Plante's number one to Ken Dryden's number 29 and Patrick Roy's number 33. That's just to name a few, but if you have a seat in the Bell Centre the rafters are full of retired numbers. To have a number retired hanging in the arena, it speaks for the impact that each player has left on the team.

It has been a long time since the Canadiens have won a Stanley Cup and generally speaking, that is the measuring stick for a hall of fame career. It is also grounds for a certain number to never been worn again. But does not winning a Stanley Cup mean that you don't belong in the Habs history books?

Dryden doesn't seem to think so and that speaks volumes, because he has six Stanley Cups to his name and his number hangs in the rafters. But the fact that Price never won a cup doesn't seem to change his decision at all. When asked about whether Price deserves to have his number retired, Dryden answered, "I think the answer is pretty clear."

Bold words from such a historic player for the Canadiens franchise.

Carey Price didn't win a cup, but he left an impact

Price didn't win a cup, but he got pretty close before having to hang up his skates after battling through ailments to possibly go out on top. It's hard to blame a goalie when the team isn't able to cash in so close to the finish line. Which is crazy to think about, because there have been teams that needed better goaltending to push them over the top.

However, for most of Price's career he was the best player on the team and most nights the best player on the ice. It wasn't for a lack of brilliant play or effort that Price doesn't have a Stanley Cup ring, but poor luck. Had the teams been assembled with more goal scorers, then the issue of a lack of goal support wouldn't have mattered, but Price never sulked about it.

For the generation of fans who grew up during Price's career watching the team, it doesn't matter if they won or not. Let me rephrase that, Price still left an impact on every fan because he carried himself like a consummated professional every night. Even if games got away from him, he would still answer questions from the media and never let the spotlight get the best of him.

Price's legacy will go down as one of the best goalie's of his time and one of the best to never win a cup. But still one of the best. Most games played (712) and most wins amongst any goalie to ever play for the Canadiens (361).