Bittersweet update on Habs’ Carey Price

Before the 2021-22 season kicked off, the Montreal Canadiens announced that star goalie Carey Price left the team to voluntarily enter the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. His former goalie coach Stephane Waite was quick to specify what might be troubling his former player, being adamant that it had nothing to do with drugs or alcohol, but most likely with the amount of pressure he puts on himself to perform well.

On top of that, we all remember that Price put his entire team on his back through the postseason, leading the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup final, which ended in July with the Tampa Bay Lightning coming out champions. This was a lot to handle and now Price away from the team for a minimum of 30 days but that it “could be longer.” GM Marc Bergevin, who was quite emotional when he made the announcement on Price, did say at the time that he believed Price will be back with the team this season.

On Tuesday, the Canadiens provided an update on Price as head coach Dominique Ducharme revealed that the goalie was expected to leave the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program after the 30-day mark on Nov. 6.

Ducharme added, however, that he does not have an exact date for Price’s return to the Canadiens.

The comments were made by the head coach ahead of tonight’s matchup against the visiting Detroit Red Wings. While fans are happy to see that Price is well enough to leave the assistance program, they are also left wondering when he could be healthy to return in between the pipes.

Price, who underwent knee surgery over the off-season, reported for training camp in September and entered the program on Oct. 7.

We are still left wondering when he could put on the uniform again, though we all have to remember that his well-being comes first.