Carey Price spoke to reporters for the first time since losing game five of the Stanley Cup Final, reiterating his intent to return to play this season.
Carey Price intends to play again this season.
That's the message the Vezina-winner tried his best to convey on Sunday night while speaking to reporters for the first time since losing game five the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.
Whether he actually manages to do so is unclear, a reality that Price himself acknowledges he can't fully control.
"Listen, you never know," answered Price when asked if there was a chance that his knee injury could prevent him from ever playing again.
"There's always a possibility. There's a lot going on over the next couple of weeks that will determine the rest of my season. So, I'm obviously anxious myself to find out some answers. I don't have them right now. But we'll find out soon enough"
As daunting as that answer may seem, Price was in good spirits during Sunday's availability.
The 34-year-old has had, as he even put it, a "long year", grappling not only with the defeat of coming so close to hockey's ultimate prize, but also with his own demons, as Price voluntarily entered himself the NHL's player assistance program in September for substance abuse issues.
But Sunday showed a player, and, more importantly, a person who seemed at peace with his circumstances, not resentful of them. And if nothing else, that's a sign all are happy to see.
"I've seen a lot of people struggle with issues in my personal life, and it's not an easy step to make," said Price of his decision to be so open about seeking help.
"I've had quite the journey, obviously, at the start of this season, and it would've been a lot more difficult if I hadn't had such a warm sense of encouragement from everyone."
Much of Price's path forward remains murky for now. Even if he were to return to the Canadiens' crease this season, the organization he's known for his entire professional career looks nearly unrecognizable from when he last strapped on the pads, with the Habs' entire front office and many key players from having departed in recent months. The direction has changed. The Canadiens may have come achingly close to Stanley Cup glory back in July, but the team could not be further from it now, as the Habs sit dead last in the entire NHL with a paltry eight wins.
A rebuild is on the way – if it hasn't begun already. Does Price intend to stick around to see it?
It sure looks that way.
"I haven't made any plans to do so," said Price about the possibility of waiving his no-movement clause to move to a contender.
"Me and my family are very happy here. We're settled in. This is our home. There's a reason I signed a contract like I did, with a no-movement clause. It was to be here. So, as of right now, I have no plans to move anywhere."
To Price, Montreal is the only option. His job is not done.
"Being a goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens has been my life for over a decade," explained Price.
"Ending the season on such a disappointing note last year, I just want to get back in there and continue playing. And to be able to put that sweater on again is something that is keeping me motivated at this point."
The next few weeks will be crucial for Price's outlook, both this season and beyond. And in the event that he can't return to the ice, and resume the position he's held down for nearly 15 years, make no mistake: it won't be for a lack of trying.