Although he refuses to abdicate, Carey Price may never put on his leggings again. But one thing is certain, he will always have a special place in the hearts of Canadiens fans.
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If there were any lingering doubts in the 35-year-old goalkeeper’s mind, they were surely dispelled during Thursday’s pre-match ceremonies.
Because, unlike Shea Weber last season, Price was present to support his teammates at the start of this campaign which does not look very cheerful. Moreover, he is the one who received the most nourished ovation.
When his name was announced, the approximately 21,000 spectators present inside the Bell Center jumped to their feet. In street clothes, Price walked up to the entrance of the groomer.
After shaking hands with a few fans and soaking up the atmosphere, he waved to the crowd by raising his cowboy hat.
A beautiful moment that the public probably found too short. Like Price, probably.
This is not the first time that the last winner of the Vézina trophy at the Canadian shows up in the entourage of the team. He had also done so during the golf tournament which officially launched the team’s season a few weeks ago.
On the occasion of this same event, Jeff Gorton, executive vice-president of hockey operations for the Canadiens, pointed out that Price, who refuses for the moment to talk about retirement, would possibly remain in the club’s entourage to support his teammates.
“He is in Montreal, so I think so, reiterated Kent Hughes during his press briefing on Thursday. But it’s up to him to decide.”
“We told him: ‘If you are not able to play and you want to work with us, come and see us,'” said the general manager of the Habs.
That said, Hughes understands that not all athletes want to get involved when they are no longer able to join in the fun.
“I have seen customers [lorsqu’il était agent de joueurs] who were getting frustrated hanging around the team because they felt like they weren’t part of it anymore.”
An announcement related to his presence near the club could be made in the coming days, as Hughes has specified that Price will meet the media next week.
The goalkeeper may also take the opportunity to give an update on his state of health. Like the other players, Price had to undergo medical examinations at the start of training camp, but nothing came of it.
“There is nothing new on this side,” said the DG.
Same thing for a possible transaction.
“My concern was above all to have the two contracts [Weber et Price] on the long-term injured list. Just one, I think we can handle it.”
It is therefore not urgent to cut ties with Carey and his pact of $ 10.5 million per season.