Carey Price says he still hopes to play this season

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price spoke publicly for the first time this season on Sunday night.

Although Price didn’t get into specifics about his reasons for voluntarily entering the NHL’s Player Assistance Program in early October, he wanted to go on record to share that his condition has been improving and he still hopes to play this season.

“I just want to say I’m doing well,” Price, 34, told the media.

“I was in a position where I definitely needed to reach out. It was a trying time, for sure, but ultimately one that was successful, and I’m very grateful for the help I got.”

Price added that despite the Canadiens’ struggles this season, he does not want to be traded and looks to remain with Montreal for the rest of his career.

“It’s a big part of my identity, being a goalie for the Montreal Canadiens for the better part of a decade,” Price said. “Being able to put that sweater back on is keeping me motivated at this point.

“This is our home. As of right now, I have no plans to move anywhere.”

When asked “when” he expects to return to the lineup, Price didn’t offer a timeline, although he did practice with the Canadiens for the first time this season on Saturday.

Price added that he has had a couple setbacks in rehabbing his knee injury and rather than targeting a specific date, just reiterated that he hopes to be back in the lineup this season.

“It’s definitely an objective for me this season,” Price said. “It’s been my goal ever since I got back here.”