NHL Notebook: Canadiens trade Carey Price’s contract to Sharks, Flames extend Zary, and more

Well, it’s not that dramatic. Price hasn’t played in the NHL since late April of 2022. But the Canadiens did trade him, along with a 2027 fifth-round pick, to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenceman Gannon Laroque.

Price was the last goaltender to be drafted in the top five of the NHL Draft, going fifth to the Habs in 2005. He spent over 700 games in Montreal, holding a 361-261-79 record with a 2.51 goals against average and a .917 save percentage with 49 shutouts.

His career was highlighted by a miraculous 2014-2015 season, during which Price started 66 games, finishing with a 44-16-6 record, a 1.96 goals against average, and a .933 save percentage, including nine shutouts. That year, Price took home the Hart Trophy as the league’s MVP, the first goaltender to win the award since fellow Canadiens netminder Jose Theodore won it in the 2001-2002 season.

Had it not been for Price’s efforts in the 2020-2021 postseason, where he finished with a .924 save percentage through the first three rounds of the playoffs, the Canadiens would not have made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. Unfortunately, Price’s play would decline in the Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning, as they went on to lose in five games.

Following the Stanley Cup loss, Price revealed that he was playing through a couple of injuries, including a torn meniscus and a lingering hip issue, which limited his movements in the Final. Price would have offseason surgery, returning for just five games before the season ended. He would undergo another surgery in August of 2022, at which point he came to the realization he was unlikely to return to professional hockey.

The Canadiens have had Price’s $10.5 million on LTIR since then. However, the San Jose Sharks traded for Price’s contract to gain some financial flexibility, while also acquiring a draft pick in the process.

Calgary Flames extend Connor Zary

The Calgary Flames announced on Saturday morning that they’ve extended 23-year-old forward Connor Zary to a three-year, $11.325 million contract, carrying a $3.775 AAV.

Zary was drafted by the Flames 24th overall in the 2020 draft, but has just two years of NHL experience. In his rookie campaign, Zary scored 14 goals and 34 points in 63 games, finishing with a plus-12 rating. Last season, Zary took a small step back in the points department, scoring 13 goals and just 27 points in 54 games.

Canucks fans will remember the Saskatchewan native for two things last season.

First, his opening night overtime winning goal that completed a three-goal comeback:

And then his retaliatory hit on Elias Pettersson (D) following a clean hit on Nazem Kadri.

Zary was suspended for two games for this act.

Whether he’s scoring goals or continuing to play on the edge, Zary will be a thorn in the side of the Canucks for at least the next three seasons as a member of their division rival, the Calgary Flames.

Hockey world loses an all-time great goaltender

On Saturday morning, the hockey world lost Hockey Hall of Famer and legendary netminder, Ken Dryden.

In the report, Montreal Canadiens Owner and President, Geoff Molson, had this to say regarding Dryden:

“Ken Dryden was an exceptional athlete, but he was also an exceptional man. Behind the mask he was larger than life. We mourn today not only the loss of the cornerstone of one of hockey’s greatest dynasties, but also a family man, a thoughtful citizen, and a gentleman who deeply impacted our lives and communities across generations. He was one of the true legends that helped shape this Club into what it is today. “Ken embodied the best of everything the Montreal Canadiens are about, and his legacy within our society transcends our sport. On behalf of the Molson family and our entire organization, I would like to extend my most heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, and all who had the privilege to cross his path and know him on a personal level.”

Dryden was lost during his fight against cancer at the age of 78.

The Canadian netminder had a short career, but did he ever make the best of it. Dryden played just eight seasons in the NHL, yet won the Stanley Cup in six of those seasons (1970-71, 1972-73, 1975-76, 1976-77, 1977-78, and 1978-79). He started 389 games, finishing with a remarkable 258-57-74 record, a 2.24 goals against average, and a .922 save percentage, including 46 shutouts.

His playoff numbers are just as remarkable, starting 112 games, finishing with an 80-32 record, with a 2.41 goals against average and a .915 save percentage, with 10 shutouts. Along with his six Stanley Cups, Dryden collected one Conn Smythe and five Vezina Trophies.

At just 31 years old, Dryden had nothing left to prove at the NHL level and decided to retire in 1979.

The entire hockey world is saddened to hear of today’s news of Dryden’s passing. With heavy hearts, we give our condolences to the Dryden family.