MONTREAL — General manager Kent Hughes provided a medical update regarding the status of goaltender Carey Price on Thursday night.
Hughes confirmed that Price could potentially miss the entire 2022-23 campaign.
“At this point in time, the news in terms of Carey’s knee is pretty discouraging in the sense that there hasn’t been any improvement through the rehab process all last season. Obviously, it continued to create problems for him. This summer, he went through the process of a shot to the knee, seeing if that would help. It did not, and at this point, we don’t expect Carey to be available for the start of the season,” stated Hughes, during a Zoom call to discuss the acquisition of Sean Monahan from the Calgary Flames. “Quite frankly, I don’t know that there’s a path for Carey to return this season through the rehab process.”
Video: Kent Hughes on the Sean Monahan trade
Given Price’s situation, the 35-year-old Anahim Lake, BC native will eventually be placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR).
Hughes expects to have further information on the veteran netminder’s playing future next month.
“We’ll probably have more to add after Carey does his physical during training camp,” mentioned Hughes. “At that point in time, in all probability, we will have another media availability with Carey and myself and one or more of the doctors.”
Hughes concluded the call by saying that Price will likely require surgery in order to resume his career, reiterating once again that rehab work alone won’t suffice.
Back in June, Price was selected as the recipient of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is presented annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
Video: Carey Price on winning the Bill Masterton Trophy
The father of three returned to play on April 15 after missing the first 74 games of the year following knee surgery last summer.
He also entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in October 2021, and then rejoined the team in November.
He played five games in 2021-22 with the Canadiens, registering his first win in the season finale against the Florida Panthers at the Bell Centre.
More news from the GM
It remains to be seen if Monahan will start the season on time.
Hughes indicated that the veteran forward underwent hip surgery approximately four-and-a-half months ago.
Hughes also confirmed that contract negotiations are ongoing with forward Kirby Dach and goaltender Cayden Primeau, and he remains optimistic that both deals will get done soon.
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