Canadiens netminder Carey Price skated at practice facility this week

The skate marks the first time Price, 34, has practiced since he rejoined the team on Nov. 8. The veteran netminder has yet to play this season after spending 30 days in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program to treat what has been deemed a substance abuse issue.

In a social media post last week, Price explained he had dealt with substance abuse for years before getting help last month.

"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 wrote. "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. Asking for help when you need it is what we encourage our kids to do, and it was what I needed to do."

Price also wrote that he is taking his treatment "day by day" and that he isn't setting a timetable for when he will return to game action. 

His presence at the practice facility on Monday, however, is at least an encouraging step in the right direction.

"He's doing better and he's on the program there, following the plan," Ducharme told reporters on Wednesday.