Canadiens Carey Price Named Finalist For Bill Masterton Trophy

Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price has been named as a finalist for the 2022 Bill Masterton Trophy.

The other finalists are New York Islanders defenceman Zdeno Chara and Philadelphia Flyers forward Kevin Hayes. The trophy is awarded annually to the NHL player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication.”

Carey Price has been named a finalist for the Bill Masterton Trophy.#GoHabsGohttps://t.co/OSDCI5sVYN

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) May 16, 2022

After the Montreal Canadiens Stanley Cup Final last July, Price underwent surgery on July 23 and began his rehab shortly thereafter. However, as he was nearing a return to the lineup in training camp, Price bravely checked himself into the NHL Player Assistance Program on October 7. Since leaving the program and rejoining the team on Nov. 9, it was a series of starts and stops for Price in his rehab and his attempt to come back and play for the Montreal Canadiens this season didn’t come to fruition until April 15.

Carey Price returned to the Montreal Canadiens and was instantly met with a standing ovation from the Bell Centre faithful, as his tumultuous journey brought him back to the Bleu, Blanc Rouge. Price returned for five games this season, sporting a 1-4 record with a 3.63 GAA and a 0.878 save percentage.

Welcome back, Carey Price pic.twitter.com/pcrdxJ7lcH

— Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) April 15, 2022

Throughout his end-of-the-season media availability, Price was extremely blunt and honest about his future, not just with the Montreal Canadiens but also as an NHL goalie. Unfortunately, as he notified reporters, his visit Wednesday in New York City, with the doctor that performed the surgery on his torn right meniscus, did not provide many answers and there will be plenty of consultations and evaluations in the near future to determine the next step for the Canadiens’ goalie.

“We sat down briefly, we went over some imaging. No real questions were answered,” Price said.

As for how he felt after earning his first and only win of the season Friday, he was positive but reiterated he’s nowhere close to having answers on his future.

“I feel good. Felt good to get a win last night, to end the season that way,” Price replied. “Physically, I’m feeling okay. I’ve got a few questions to ask, and a few appointments to make to plan out my off-season. It’s been a difficult process, a frustrating one. Moving forward, having another opinion, we’re going to sit down and formulate a plan. The best thing I could do and stay positive.”