Montreal Canadiens Finalize Trade of Carey Price
In a significant move on Friday, the Montreal Canadiens finalized a trade that sends goaltender Carey Price to the San Jose Sharks. In exchange, Montreal received defenseman Gannon Laroque along with a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Carey Price’s Challenges and Impact
Price, who has been absent from NHL gameplay since April 29, 2022, faced considerable challenges, having managed only five appearances in the 2021-22 season due to recovery from a torn meniscus surgery performed the previous summer.
Since the start of the 2022-23 season, Price has stayed on Long-Term Injured Reserve, creating financial strain for the Canadiens, who were notably $5.9 million above the NHL salary cap prior to this trade. Signing Price to a $5.5 million bonus on September 1 allowed the Canadiens the flexibility to trade his substantial $10.5 million cap hit to San Jose. Following this transaction, the Canadiens’ salary cap situation has improved, as reported by PuckPedia, giving them approximately $4.56 million in available space moving forward.
Price’s Legacy with the Canadiens
Price’s tenure with the Canadiens was historic, spanning 712 games, where he achieved an impressive .917 save percentage (SV%) and a goals against average (GAA) of 2.51. His accolades are plentiful; he was a distinguished goaltender, being the first to secure the Hart Trophy, Vezina Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award, and share the William M. Jennings Trophy in 2015. He also holds the franchise record as the winningest goaltender in Canadiens history with 361 victories.
Reactions to the Trade
Initially apprehensive about the potential trade, Angela Price, Carey’s wife, shared her thoughts on social media concerning the situation, indicating her understanding of the needs of the team while echoing the sentiments of many fans in Montreal.
On the flip side, the Canadiens have welcomed Laroque, a promising 22-year-old right-shot defenseman, who was selected 103rd overall by the Sharks in the fourth round of the 2021 draft. Laroque has yet to make his NHL debut, possibly gaining a more significant role as he transitions into this new chapter with the Montreal franchise.
Conclusion
This trade represents the end of an era for Price, with this season marking the concluding chapter of his eight-year, $84 million contract, highlighting the ongoing shifts within the Canadiens’ roster and salary structure as they navigate competitive challenges in the league.
