The Montreal Canadiens’ star goaltender Carey Price is still hoping he can return to the ice, but says his priority is to be free from pain on a daily basis.
The 35-year-old spoke to reporters Monday at the club’s training facility on the city’s south shore comes as he continues to deal with a lingering knee injury.
“We’ll have to take it step by step,” Price said. “I don’t have a plan to retire at this moment.”
The Vezina and Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner only played five games last season after an incredible playoff run where he led the Habs to the 2021 playoff finals.
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Price’s injury has kept him from returning to the ice. He also entered the NHL/NHL Players’ Association joint player assistance program for substance use in October 2021.
In the meantime, Price has been spending time with his family and his goal is “just to get healthy.” He has been focusing on rehabilitation for his knee, but it hasn’t been successful so far.
“That has been the real frustrating part,” Price said, adding he’s continuing to try and solve the problem. “I’m still holding out hope.”
Before this season got underway, general manager Kent Hughes said in September that Price would be placed on long-term injured reserve.
— with files from Global News’ Olivia O’Malley and the Canadian Press
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