Price Starting Over In Return To Play Protocol, Canadiens Roster Updates

Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price will be starting over his return to play protocol.

Speaking to the media via Zoom prior to the Canadiens’ game against the Arizona Coyotes Monday, Montreal Canadiens Vice President of Communications Chantal Machabée explained that after finally meeting with doctors recently, Price has to basically start his physical rehab over again thanks Price being unable to continue working on his knee during the team’s Christmas break and extended COVID-19 pause earlier this month.

Just weeks after backstopping the Montreal Canadiens on an improbable run to Game 5 of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, Price had surgery for a torn meniscus. His recovery from the surgery was then put on hold in October after the Montreal Canadiens netminder entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. He rejoined the team in November and began his physical rehab again, even skating prior to team practices, but like his team, had to shut things down due to a league-wide COVID outbreak that forced the Montreal Canadiens into a team pause with up to 22 players in COVID protocol at one point.

In addition to the Price update, the Montreal Canadiens provided the following roster updates:

-Tyler Toffoli is close to returning and is expected to play this week. This would be ahead of schedule from the original eight-week prognosis after hand surgery in December.

-Paul Byron is close as well after off-season hip surgery and a recent stint in COVID-19 protocols.

-Jake Allen had an MRI for his lower-body injury Monday and is awaiting results that will determine a timetable for his return. Allen was injured during the 5-1 loss to the Boston Bruins last week.

-Brendan Gallagher (lower-body), could be back in one to two weeks.

-Joel Edmundson is back in Montreal after being away from the club following the death of his father. He is out indefinitely.

-Alex Belzile was placed on waivers Monday and will be assigned to Laval (AHL) if he clears.