Price to return to Canadiens from NHL’s player assistance program on Monday

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price will return to the team on Monday after spending 30 days in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.

It’s going to be a process for Price–starting with a physical, moving on to gym work, getting back on the ice solo with the goalie coach before eventually joining practice. Asked Ducharme if a short stint in Laval might be a part of it, he said it’s an option they’ll consider.

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) November 5, 2021

Price will meet with the team’s athletic therapists and develop a plan moving forward, which might also include a stint with the Laval Rocket in the AHL.

Price entered the program on Oct. 7 and was expected to be away from the team for at least 30 days.

The 34-year-old had been away from the team during training camp dealing with what the team called a non-COVID-illness and he was already expected to miss the start of the season as a result. Jake Allen took over as the team’s starter with Sam Montembeault being picked up on waivers to be the backup.

Montreal has struggled to start the season, going 3-9-0 in their first 12 games.

Price is entering his 15th NHL season with the Canadiens and in the fourth year of an eight-year, $84 million contract. The Anahim Lake, B.C. native played a big part in the Canadiens’ run to the Stanley Cup Final last season, posting a .924 save percentage.

During his career, Price has appeared in six All-Star Games, won the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender, as well as the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay award, in the 2014-15 season. He also led Canada to a gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.