Montreal Canadiens goalkeeper Carry Price lost to the New York Islanders on Friday night, but nothing could reduce the positive vibes around the Bell Center as the franchise star played his first NHL game on July 7, 2021.
Price made 17 saves in the 3-0 loss to the Islanders in a battle between two teams outside the playoffs.
“It was definitely a test season for me personally and for the team. I didn’t feel completely normal, but I was quite close, “Price said after the match.
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Price, 34, has not appeared in an NHL game since the 521 Finals of the Stanley Cup in 2021, when Montreal was eliminated by Tampa Bay Lightning. The next few months were stormy for Price. He had off-season knee surgery. He relinquished his travel ban to be left unprotected in the Seattle Kraken expansion project – the thought was that his huge contract would stop Seattle from choosing him, and it was not accepted. On October 7, Price voluntarily joined the NHL / NHLPA player support program for what he said was substance abuse.
“Over the last few years, I’ve allowed myself to get to a very dark place and I didn’t have the tools to deal with this fight,” Price said at the time.
Price returned to the Canadiens in late 2021, but his journey back met with several setbacks, including a longer-than-expected recovery from surgery and a non-COVID-related illness that took him out of the game.
“It was a very hard job. Not only from me, but also from the training staff, “Price said.
His return to the Canadiens line was welcomed by his teammates.
“I am incredibly happy that he can play tonight. He has finally entered the game. He is a huge part of our team and it was difficult for him here,” said Montreal winger Paul Byron. “He’s a quiet man. He has a calm, passive demeanor. But I know how much that meant to him and how much it meant to his family.”
Price’s family attended his return to the NHL, and he greeted him during the warm-up – including his 1-year-old son Lincoln, who was watching his father play in person for the first time.
“I think he was a little removed [my] mask and equipment, “Price said jokingly.” It kept me free. I kept things in perspective. “
The small moments were intensified during the game for Price. He received a standing ovation when his name was announced as titular goalkeeper.
“Was a lot of fun. It was warming to the heart. That made me feel, I guess, wanted, “he said.
Price made his first save three minutes and 32 seconds after Kyle Palmieri hit the islanders. The crowd roared in recognition of the moment. After the last bell, the Canadians rushed to personally greet Price, as they would after a victory. The other Bell Center fans applauded Price again and he raised his wand in gratitude.
This is Price’s 15th NHL season. He has a career record of 360-257-79 in 707 games, all with the Canadiens. Price won the Hart trophy as NHL MVP and the Vezina trophy as the league’s top goalkeeper in 2014-15.
The price was signed in the 2025-2026 season with an average annual contract value of $ 10.5 million. It was a difficult season for the Canadiens, who followed their run to the Stanley Cup final with a season of 20-44-11, for last place in the Eastern Conference.
Price said it was difficult for him when he was unable to help his teammates.
“I missed you a lot. Every athlete will tell you that when you are injured on the side, you are part of the team, but you are not part of the process,” he said. “It’s not easy not to be part of the decision.”
The Canadiens have seven games left in their season.
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