Will Carey Price be able to return to the game? No one knows the answer to that question…including Carey Price.
Posted at 5:47 p.m.
Updated at 7:51 p.m.
The Canadiens’ star goaltender spoke to members of the media on Sunday evening, a first for him since the Montreal club’s elimination in the grand final on July 7.
For now, Price is recovering from a knee injury, and he does not know if he will be able to return to the game this season… and if he will be able to return to the game at all.
“Returning to the game, for me, is a goal this season, it has always been my goal, he replied. Already, I suffered two setbacks in my rehabilitation, two setbacks that had not been foreseen. It’s been a frustrating process, but I have to take care of myself and hope to be able to come back. »
Recall that before the start of Carey Price’s press conference on Sunday evening, Kent Hughes, general manager of the Canadian, had expressed doubts about the immediate future of the famous goalkeeper.
It will take time to know if he will be able to play this year, and we don’t know what will happen next season. We do not know not even if he’s going to play hockey.
Kent Hughes, general manager of the Canadiens, in an interview with The Press
Made aware of this statement from his general manager, Price himself seemed hesitant about his return.
“You never know…there is always that possibility [de ne plus jamais jouer]but there are a lot of things that are going to happen in the next two weeks, things that are going to determine what happens to the rest of my season.
“So I’m obviously a little anxious myself and looking forward to some answers. I don’t have the answers right now, but we’ll get them soon enough. »
” I want to come back “
In Price’s case, of course, knee trouble is nothing new. Following the operation in July, he had to see a specialist in the New York area twice, but from what he was told, he was still not reassured about the sequence of things.
He still hopes to be able to take the necklace back one of these days.
“Playing for the Canadiens is a big part of who I am… Being the Canadiens’ goaltender has been my life for over a decade. We ended the previous season on a disappointing note, and I want to come back and be able to put that jersey back on, that’s what keeps me motivated right now.
“I can’t put a percentage on my chances of coming back to the game… I wish I could, but I don’t know the answer. I have just put my skates back on and I had to suffer setbacks twice in my rehabilitation… A comeback, I would like that to be a goal for me at the moment. »
PHOTO OLIVIER JEAN, THE PRESS
Carey Price (left) attended the Canadiens game on Sunday at the Bell Centre.
So that’s where Price is. Hopefully, at the age of 34, one last lap, another chance, perhaps one last, to get closer to the greatest of trophies, as the Plantes, Dryden and Roy were able to do before him in this same blue, white and red jersey.
But can he do it? And above all, will he be able to do so at the level of excellence of the past?
He does not know it.
“It’s something that crosses my mind,” he admitted. When you have setbacks in your rehabilitation, there are always doubts. It is the reality of being hurt; you always wonder if you will be the same player when you come back. […] I’m a bit anxious for the next two weeks and we’ll see how my knee does. For the best, I hope. »
Finally, Carey Price swears: he did not begin to wonder if he would be better elsewhere, in another sweater.
“I didn’t make any plans for this… My family and I are very happy here. For us, here is home. I said yes to this contract here for a reason, and right now I have no desire to look anywhere else…”