Will Price Return to the Habs Next Season?

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Ryan Hall
July 24, 2023 (1:48 PM)

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When it comes to NHL rosters, in my opinion, the goaltender holds the most critical position. These players bear the weight of the entire team on their shoulders, as their performance will dictate whether the team gets scored on or not.

It takes a certain kind of person to play this role. In 2005, the Montreal Canadiens made a surprising decision by selecting Tri-City Americans goalie Carey Price as the 5th overall pick.

At that time, many felt this move was unexpected for the Canadiens, considering they already had Jose Theodore, a Vezina Trophy winner a few years prior, and some believed they did not need another starting goalie.

There were also rumours that the Toronto Maple Leafs were interested in drafting Price due to their goaltending situation, which was in question with the aging former Blackhawks goalie Ed Belfour.

However, the decision to draft Price has undoubtedly paid off tenfold, as he is, in my opinion, one of the best goalies in the league. Unfortunately, his career has been hampered by severe knee injuries, which raised concerns about its longevity.

Having signed a monster contract worth over $10 million per season, set to expire in 2026, his contract is now seen as an albatross for the Habs, serving its purpose only if he is placed on long-term injury reserve. There have been recent reports suggesting that Price may attempt to return to the game and participate in training camp.

Nevertheless, Sportsnet reporter and Montreal insider Eric Engles holds a different perspective regarding Price's future.

According to Engles, Price will return to the Habs next season, but in a different capacity. It is speculated that he might take on a role within the organization, potentially as a development coach or in some other capacity.

Despite these speculations, there are doubts surrounding Price's return, especially since he has sold his home in Montreal and relocated with his family to Kelowna, BC. This has led many to believe that he may not play the game again.