Legendary Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price is officially a member of the San Jose Sharks. Wait, what?
Allow us to explain.
Price hasn't suited up for NHL action since 2022, but his contract, which carries a $10.5 million cap hit, was still on the books. It will officially expire in 2026
On Friday, the Canadiens announced that they've traded the 38-year-old netminder, along with a 2026 fifth-round pick, to San Jose in exchange for defenceman Gannon Laroque. For the Sharks, it's a cap and asset move. For Montreal fans, it's the official end of Price's time tied to the team.
And what a time it was. Drafted fifth overall in 2005, Price went on to play 712 NHL games, the most ever by a Canadiens goalie. He also set the franchise record for wins with 361, ranking him among the top 25 goaltenders in league history. His career numbers — a .917 save percentage, 2.51 goals-against average, and 49 shutouts — tell only part of the story.
At his peak, Price was arguably the best goalie in the world. In 2014-15 he swept the NHL's major awards, taking home the Vezina, Hart, Jennings, and Ted Lindsay trophies after one of the most dominant seasons in recent memory. He helped lead Montreal to an unlikely Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2021. And in 2022, he was recognized with the Bill Masterton Trophy for perseverance, a nod to the battles he faced with injury while holding down the Canadiens' crease.
Internationally, the BC native was just as reliable. Price backstopped Canada to gold at the 2007 World Juniors, the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. He also won a Calder Cup with the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2007 before becoming a fixture in Montreal.
Once the news of the trade broke, fans on social media were quick to share their thoughts.
"He can't retire a Hab," one X user wrote in a post featuring a crying GIF.
Another member of the Canadiens faithful was upset that it happened on his birthday.
One fan was upset over the casual way the trade was announced.
Another user proposed that Montreal sign him to a one-day contract before his deal expires so he can retire as a member of the Canadiens.
For years, Price was the face (and backbone) of the Canadiens. And while he may be off the roster, he'll always be a Hab.
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