Montreal Canadiens’ Carey Price addresses playing future: ‘It’s just not going to happen’
Injured Montreal Canadiens netminder Carey Price discussed his playing future at a news conference in Brossard, Quebec on Tuesday, saying, “It’s just not going to happen.”
“Its just not going to happen,” Carey Price says about his knee healing well enough for him to play hockey again #Habs #HabsIO
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) September 12, 2023Price was announced as the new brand ambassador for CFMoto Canada’s line of off-road vehicles during the press conference. The focus then shifted to hockey-related questions where the longtime Canadiens goaltender was also asked about the knee injury that has kept him off the ice for the better part of two seasons.
When prompted with the question, “is there any hope that you can play goalie again?” brought forth by the Montreal Gazette’s, Stu Cowan, Price stated, “The honest thing is right now it’s just not going to happen, to take the stress of the goaltending position it’s not where it needs to be. So for now I’m just going to continue to try and rehab my knee to a position where it’s fit for life in general.”
The netminder first underwent knee surgery during the offseason in 2021 and the issues with his knee have continued to plague him ever since. Price has faced multiple setbacks regarding his knee injury which propelled him to miss all of the 2022-23 campaign.
The goaltender is expected to be placed on LTIR once again this season.
Price is under contract with the Canadiens for three more seasons with a cap hit of $10,500,000. Many have wondered if he could be a trade candidate at some point.
“Whatever the team has to do – if they have to move money to make this team better, I’m here to help in any way I can.” said Price, when asked if he’d be open to his contract being traded away. Price also mentioned, “everyone knows hockey is a business- money management & cap space is part of that; I’m going to a MTL Canadien for the rest of my life & I’m very proud of that so I’m willing to help this team in any aspect.”
Price is signed to a lucrative contract for three more years in Montreal which leaves question marks surrounding his future due to his injury status. The former top goaltender has played 712 regular season games exclusively with the Montreal Canadiens. Over that time, he has led Montreal to 361 wins, put up five seasons with a save percentage topping .920, posted 49 career shutouts, and taken home a Hart Trophy, a Vezina Trophy, a Ted Lindsay Award, a William M. Jennings Trophy, and a Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.