Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price has been named the winner of the 2022 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded annually “to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.”
Philadelphia Flyers forward Kevin Hayes and New York Islanders defenseman Zdeno Chara were also named finalists for the award.
The Masterton Trophy is awarded annually by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association, with all 32 of the league’s individual PHWA chapters presenting nominees at the end of each regular season.
Price, 34, battled back from off-season knee surgery and a 30-day stay in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program to make his 2021–22 season debut in goal for the Canadiens on April 15.
The veteran goaltender addressed his absence from the Canadiens in an Instagram post last fall, revealing he entered a residential treatment facility for substance use in October 2021.
“Over the last few years I have let myself get to a very dark place and I didn’t have the tools to cope with that struggle,” Price said in his statement. “Last month I made the decision to enter a residential treatment facility for substance use. Things had reached a point that I realized I needed to prioritize my health for both myself and for my family.”
The NHL announced Price as the Masterton Trophy winner on Friday. In his acceptance speech, Price recognized Hayes and Chara and expressed thanks for all the support he received this season.
“There’s obstacles in life that will always challenge you,” Price said on Friday. I think having the ability to overcome those and keep things in perspective and keep moving forward is something that we should all be teaching our children and loved ones.”
Price appeared in five games with the Canadiens in April, his first game action since helping the team reach the 2021 Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning last July.
He recorded his first win of the 2021–22 season in the Canadiens’ season finale, stopping 37 of 39 shots in a 10–2 victory over the Florida Panthers on April 29.
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