Reducer for others
Absolutely not! To do so would be reductive for all the players who see their number floating in the heights of the Bell Centre. He was only dominant in a few seasons during his entire time in Montreal. In addition, the end of his career was disappointing to say the least. The Canadiens will surely end up getting there to pull off a marketing stunt, but we must stop settling for so little.
Mathieu Fournier-Landry
Without him, no hope
Usually, a number is retired because the player has had a major impact on a team. Not to mention that often, a Stanley Cup is associated with it. At least, in Montreal. Given that it will take a century for the next Cup, I would say yes, we could retire it. Without it, there was no hope of victory, said Marc Bergevin. And the gold medal at the Olympic Games is something.
Yves Gagné
Also read: “The Legends Behind Carey Price”
The best goalkeeper of his generation
There is no denying that Price is one of the best goalies in Canadiens history. He never won the Cup, sure, but in today’s hockey world, the number of teams is nothing like the hockey world of previous generations. We need to get out of this paradigm that says that a retired jersey must be that of an “old guy who won the Cup more than 30 years ago,” as many teams do, by the way. Did Carey leave his mark on the Canadiens? No doubt about it. And he is considered the best goalie of his generation, the one you want in a world championship or at the Olympic Games to represent Canada.
Stephane Bourassa
The fans’ link
Of course his jersey must be retired. His performances and statistics on the ice speak for themselves. Without Price, the club could have and could still resemble the Buffalo Sabres, who seem incapable of turning the corner of their reconstruction. During his time with the CH, Price allowed fans to believe in their club, to be enthusiastic several nights per season and even to experience a Stanley Cup final. But most importantly in my eyes, he is the hyphen as a player that unites current fans from 10 to 90 years old of the Canadiens. Name another who, for 25 years, has amazed with his performances seven or eight generations of still living fans of the Sainte-Flanelle at the same time?
Paul-Andre Côté
Not an “immortal”
Retiring a jersey is the ultimate honour that should be reserved for players who achieve legendary status. For example, we are still talking about Maurice Richard’s exploits that were accomplished 70 years ago, and it’s not over yet. It will be the same for Jean Béliveau and Guy Lafleur. Despite all the respect that Carey Price’s career inspires, I don’t think he can be considered “immortal” of the Montreal Canadiens. Nevertheless, he fully deserves his place in the Hall of Fame, a nice reward in itself for his very fine career.
Jean Dufresne
The Cup, an old standard
Yes, without hesitation. Price holds almost all of the club’s goaltending records. He was a generational goaltender. Some will say no by stating that Price did not win a Stanley Cup. This is an old standard used according to a reality that no longer exists, that of dynasties in a league with fewer clubs, without a salary cap or parity. We must align the criteria with their time, but above all recognize that Price is one of the three or four best goaltenders in the history of this club.
Jean-François Marcoux
Passing close doesn’t count
Really disagree about retiring Carey Price’s number. He didn’t even win a Stanley Cup. Coming close to winning it like in 2021 doesn’t count. He was a good goalie, but nothing more. He doesn’t deserve to have his number retired. Especially since the Bell Centre ceiling is already filled with truly winning numbers.
Sophie Pelletier
Others deserve it more
No, not really. He was indeed one of the best goalies in the league, but he doesn’t have a Cup to his name. There are many other players who deserve it more, like Steve Shutt.
Pierre Beaudoin
For what ?
Retiring Carey Price’s number 31? Why? He was considered the best goalie in the world for a while, sure, but that didn’t allow the Canadiens to aspire to the greatest honors (except for a final-error?). The honor of retiring a jersey goes to the greatest who contributed to collective success. Price is not part of this group.
Andre Lamarche