Canadiens make decision on Carey Price's contract

Despite not having played since the 2021-22 season, goaltender Carey Price and his contract continue to weigh down the Montreal Canadiens’ salary cap flexibility. With just one year remaining on his deal, which carries a $10.5M cap hit, the franchise may be close to moving the contract in the coming days, per Marco D’Amico of RG.org.

While Price’s playing days are long behind him, the Canadiens will look to trade his contract to a team looking to hit the salary cap floor. That market may be thinning out, but the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks may fit the bill. If the Habs can swing a deal, they too would become cap compliant, as they currently sit approximately $6M over the limit, according to PuckPedia. 

Moving Price’s contract could also provide the team with the flexibility needed to make another move to solidify the current roster. While Price carries a $10.5M cap hit, he is set to receive just $7.5M in actual salary for the final year of his contract. Of that amount, $5.5M will be paid out as a signing bonus on Sept. 1.

As D’Amico notes, TVA Sports’ Jean-Charles Lajoie reported that Habs are in the market for a center, and the cap savings from Price’s deal could help facilitate that addition. However, a slow market could force the Canadiens to wait well into the season before making a move like this. 

Canadiens executive vice president Jeff Gorton noted as much, previously stating, “We don’t look at it like opening day as the end of when you can change your roster.” 

As D’Amico notes, there seems to be a standoff between GMs trying to add quality forwards and those unwilling to budge on steep return demands.

For his part, Price’s legendary career came to an end due to lingering knee issues. Price appeared in just 30 games over his final two seasons and unofficially retired following the 2021-22 season to focus on his overall quality of life. Over his 15-year career, Carey Price recorded 361 wins and 19,304 saves, both of which are records for the Canadiens. 

He also ranks first in minutes played and third in shutouts with 49. Selected No. 5 overall in the 2005 NHL Draft, Price consistently proved why he was taken so high and is widely expected to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.