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Carey Price
Carey Price - Montreal Canadiens.jpg
Price with the Montreal Canadiens in January 2015
Born (1987-08-16) August 16, 1987 (age 37)
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Height 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight 217 lb (98 kg; 15 st 7 lb)
Position Goaltender
Catches Left
NHL team Montreal Canadiens
National team Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada
NHL Draft 5th overall, 2005
Montreal Canadiens
Playing career 2007–present

Carey Price (born August 16, 1987) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender. He played for the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League (NHL). Many people consider Price one of the best goaltenders of his time. He holds the record for the most wins by a goalie in Canadiens history, with 361 career victories.

Price started his junior career with the Tri-City Americans in 2002. The Canadiens picked him fifth overall in the 2005 NHL entry draft. In 2007, he won awards as the best goalie in junior hockey. He then joined the Hamilton Bulldogs, helping them win their first championship. Price became the Canadiens' main goalie during the 2007–08 season. In 2015, he made history by winning four major NHL awards in one season. In 2021, he led the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1993.

Price also played for Canada in many international tournaments. He won silver medals at junior events in 2004 and 2005. In 2007, he earned a gold medal at the 2007 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He also won gold with Team Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. In 2016, Price helped Team Canada win the World Cup of Hockey.

Early Life and Hockey Start

Carey Price was born in Vancouver, British Columbia. His parents are Lynda and Jerry. His mother is the chief of the Ulkatcho First Nation. His father was also a goalie and was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers. Even though his father didn't play in the NHL, he played professional hockey for four seasons. He also coached goalies for the Tri-City Americans. Carey has a younger sister named Kayla.

When Carey was three, his family moved to Anahim Lake, a small town in central British Columbia. His father taught him to play goalie on a frozen creek in winter. For organized hockey, they had to travel to Williams Lake. This was over five hours away by car. To make the long trips easier, Carey's father bought a small plane. He would fly Carey to practices and games.

Playing Career

Junior Hockey Success

Price first played in the Western Hockey League (WHL) for the Tri-City Americans in the 2002–03 season. He became a full-time player the next season. In the 2004–05 season, he became the main starter. He played in 63 games and had eight shutouts. The NHL Central Scouting Bureau ranked him as the best North American goalie. The Montreal Canadiens then drafted him fifth overall in 2005.

His play improved greatly in the 2006–07 season. He won the Del Wilson Trophy as the top WHL goalie. He also won the CHL Goaltender of the Year award.

AHL Championship with Hamilton

Carey Price (40445196301)
Price playing for the Hamilton Bulldogs in June 2007 during the 2007 Calder Cup Finals

After his junior season, Price joined the Hamilton Bulldogs, the Canadiens' minor league team. This was just before the 2007 Calder Cup playoffs. He helped the Bulldogs win their first Calder Cup championship. Price was named the playoff MVP, winning the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy. He was only the third teenage goalie to win this award.

Montreal Canadiens: Becoming a Star

Early NHL Years (2007–2014)

Carey Price made his NHL debut on October 10, 2007, winning his first game. He quickly became a key player for the Canadiens. In his first year, he led all rookie goalies in wins and shutouts. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. In the 2008 playoffs, he recorded a shutout against the Boston Bruins. This made him the first Canadiens rookie goalie to do so since Patrick Roy in 1986.

Price faced some challenges in the following seasons. In 2009, the Canadiens were swept by the Bruins. In 2010, he lost his starting job for a while. However, the Canadiens made a surprising run to the Eastern Conference finals that year. After the season, the Canadiens decided to keep Price as their main goalie.

In the 2010–11 season, Price had a great year. He played in 72 games, setting new career highs with 38 wins and eight shutouts. He was also chosen to play in the 2011 NHL All-Star Game. On October 26, 2011, he earned his 100th NHL win.

In July 2012, Price signed a six-year contract with the Canadiens. The 2012–13 season was shorter due to a lockout. Price started strong, but an injury ended his playoffs early. The Canadiens were eliminated in five games.

The 2013–14 season was a strong one for Price. He had 34 wins and a career-best save percentage. The Canadiens swept the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the 2014 playoffs. They then upset the Boston Bruins in seven games. Price played a huge role in these wins. However, his playoffs ended early again due to another injury in the next round against the New York Rangers.

Award-Winning Seasons and Stanley Cup Final (2014–2021)

Carey Price
Price warming up prior to a game against the New York Rangers in March 2009

The 2014–15 season was Price's best. He led the league in wins (44), goals against average (1.96), and save percentage (.933). He helped the Canadiens win their division. That season, he won the Hart Memorial Trophy (league MVP), the Vezina Trophy (best goalie), the Ted Lindsay Award (MVP voted by players), and the William M. Jennings Trophy (fewest goals allowed). He was the first goalie in NHL history to win all four awards in one season.

In the 2015–16 season, Price suffered a knee injury that ended his season early. He returned strong in the 2016–17 season. He set a record for most consecutive wins to start a season with 10. He was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy again.

On July 2, 2017, Price signed an eight-year contract extension with the Canadiens. This made him one of the highest-paid goalies in the league. In 2017–18, he faced some injuries. On April 3, he made his 557th career NHL start for the Canadiens. This broke the franchise record held by Jacques Plante.

Carey Price Portrait
Price with the Canadiens in January 2020

On October 27, 2018, Price passed Patrick Roy for second place in Canadiens career wins. On March 12, 2019, he passed Jacques Plante for first place with his 315th win. Even though the Canadiens missed the playoffs in 2018–19, Price had a strong season.

In the 2019–20 season, the regular season ended early due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The NHL held expanded playoffs in August 2020. The Canadiens, with Price, upset the Pittsburgh Penguins in the qualifying round. They then lost to the Philadelphia Flyers.

In the 2020–21 season, Price helped the Canadiens reach the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in 28 years. He played a huge role in their playoff run. The Canadiens beat the Toronto Maple Leafs and swept the Winnipeg Jets. They then defeated the Vegas Golden Knights to win the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl. Price was seen as the most important player in their deep playoff run. In the Finals, they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games.

Later Years and Health Challenges (2021–2023)

In July 2021, Price had knee surgery. He also entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. This program helps players with personal challenges. Price later shared that he sought help for his mental health.

Price worked hard to recover from his knee injury. He returned to play his first game of the 2021–22 season on April 15, 2022. He played a few more games that season. Price was named a finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. This award goes to a player who shows perseverance and dedication to hockey. He won the award, saying that overcoming obstacles is important.

In August 2022, the Canadiens announced that Price was unlikely to play in the 2022–23 season. His knee injury was severe. Price later explained that another surgery was possible, but it carried risks to his daily life. In April 2023, his family moved to Kelowna, British Columbia. While Price remains under contract, he has indicated that he will likely not play professional hockey again due to his knee. His main goal is to maintain his quality of life.

International Play

Medal record
Representing Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada
Men's ice hockey
Canada Cup / World Cup
Gold 2016 Toronto
Winter Olympics
Gold 2014 Sochi
World Junior Championships
Gold 2007 Sweden
World U18 Championships
Silver 2005 Czech Republic
U-18 Junior World Cup
Gold 2004 Czech Republic/Slovakia
World U-17 Hockey Challenge
Silver 2004 Newfoundland and Labrador

Price first played for Hockey Canada in 2004, winning a silver medal. He also won gold and silver at other junior tournaments. In 2007, he played for the Canadian national junior team at the 2007 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He led Canada to a gold medal and was named the tournament's MVP and Best Goaltender.

On January 3, 2014, Price was named to the 2014 Canadian Olympic Hockey Team. He became one of the first Canadiens players selected for the senior national team since 1998. Price started in Canada's first game at the Sochi Olympics. He played a key role in Canada winning the gold medal. He had two shutouts and was named the tournament's best goaltender.

In 2016, Price played in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. He helped Team Canada win another gold medal. He had an undefeated record in the tournament.

Playing Style

Carey Price uses a "butterfly hybrid" style of goaltending. This means he combines standing up for high shots with dropping to his knees for low shots. He is known for his calm attitude on the ice. Teammates and opponents often praise how calm he is. This calm approach helps him make difficult saves look easy. Price is also seen as a leader for the Canadiens.

Giving Back to the Community

Carey Price 2015
Price in April 2015

In October 2015, Price worked with CCM to donate $10,000 worth of hockey equipment. This donation went to a minor hockey league in Williams Lake, B.C. Since 2014, Price has been an ambassador for the Breakfast Club of Canada. This program helps provide healthy meals to children across Canada.

In June 2019, Price presented the Feel Good Moment Award at the NHL Awards. He gave the award to a young fan named Anderson Whitehead. The fan's mother had wanted him to meet Price before she passed away.

Personal Life

Carey Price has Nuxalk and Southern Carrier Aboriginal heritage through his mother. He was an honorary co-chair at the 2010 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.

Price met his wife, Angela, while playing junior hockey. They got married in August 2013. They have three children: Liv, Millie, and Lincoln. Price's sister, Kayla, is married to former Canadiens teammate Yannick Weber.

Price enjoys being outdoors, including camping and hunting. In May 2024, he received an honorary law degree from the University of Northern British Columbia. This was to recognize his inspiration to Indigenous youth and his charity work.

Career Statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Bold indicates league leader
* indicates franchise record

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP W L T/OT MIN GA SO GAA SV% GP W L MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2002–03 Quesnel Millionaires BCHL 18 2.70
2002–03 Williams Lake TimberWolves BCHL 18 1,050 48 1 2.74
2002–03 Tri-City Americans WHL 1 0 0 0 20 2 0 6.00 .857
2003–04 Tri-City Americans WHL 28 8 9 3 1,363 54 1 2.38 .915 8 5 3 470 19 0 2.43 .906
2004–05 Tri-City Americans WHL 63 24 31 8 3,712 145 8 2.34 .920 5 1 4 325 12 0 2.22 .937
2005–06 Tri-City Americans WHL 55 21 25 6 3,072 147 3 2.87 .906 5 1 4 302 12 0 2.39 .896
2006–07 Tri-City Americans WHL 46 30 13 1 2,722 111 3 2.45 .917 6 2 4 348 17 0 2.93 .911
2006–07 Hamilton Bulldogs AHL 2 1 1 0 117 3 0 1.53 .949 22 15 6 1,314 45 2 2.06 .936
2007–08 Hamilton Bulldogs AHL 10 6 4 0 581 26 1 2.69 .896
2007–08 Montreal Canadiens NHL 41 24 12 3 2,413 103 3 2.56 .920 11 5 6 648 30 2 2.78 .901
2008–09 Montreal Canadiens NHL 52 23 16 10 3,036 143 1 2.83 .905 4 0 4 219 15 0 4.11 .878
2009–10 Montreal Canadiens NHL 41 13 20 5 2,358 109 0 2.77 .912 4 0 1 135 8 0 3.56 .890
2010–11 Montreal Canadiens NHL 72* 38 28 6 4,206* 165 8 2.35 .923 7 3 4 455 16 1 2.11 .934
2011–12 Montreal Canadiens NHL 65 26 28 11 3,944 160 4 2.43 .916
2012–13 Montreal Canadiens NHL 39 21 13 4 2,249 97 3 2.59 .905 4 1 2 239 13 0 3.26 .894
2013–14 Montreal Canadiens NHL 59 34 20 5 3,464 134 6 2.32 .927 12 8 4 739 29 1 2.35 .919
2014–15 Montreal Canadiens NHL 66 44* 16 6 3,977 130 9 1.96 .933* 12 6 6 752 28 1 2.23 .920
2015–16 Montreal Canadiens NHL 12 10 2 0 699 24 2 2.06 .934
2016–17 Montreal Canadiens NHL 62 37 20 5 3,709 138 3 2.23 .923 6 2 4 388 12 0 1.86 .933
2017–18 Montreal Canadiens NHL 49 16 26 7 2,855 148 1 3.11 .900
2018–19 Montreal Canadiens NHL 66 35 24 6 3,881 161 4 2.49 .918
2019–20 Montreal Canadiens NHL 58 27 25 6 3,440 160 4 2.79 .909 10 5 5 606 18 2 1.78 .936
2020–21 Montreal Canadiens NHL 25 12 7 5 1,479 65 1 2.64 .901 22 13 9 1,342 51 1 2.28 .924
2020–21 Laval Rocket AHL 1 0 1 0 39 2 0 3.03 .867
2021–22 Montreal Canadiens NHL 5 1 4 0 298 18 0 3.63 .878
NHL totals 712 361 261 79 42,006 1,755 49 2.51 .917 92 43 45 5,522 220 8 2.39 .919

International

Year Team Event Result GP W L OT MIN GA SO GAA SV%
2004 Canada Pacific U17 2
2004 Canada JWC18 1 4 4 0 0 239 5 1 1.26 .940
2005 Canada U18 2 4 2 2 0 249 11 0 2.65 .894
2007 Canada WJC 1 6 6 0 0 370 7 2 1.14 .961
2014 Canada OG 1 5 5 0 0 303 3 2 0.59 .972
2016 Canada WCH 1 5 5 0 0 300 7 1 1.40 .957
Junior totals 14 12 2 0 858 23 3 1.61
Senior totals 10 10 0 0 603 10 3 0.99

Awards and Honours

Award Year Ref
NHL
NHL Rookie of the Month March 2008
NHL All-Rookie Team 2008
NHL YoungStars Game 2009
NHL All-Star Game 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019
NHL Second Star of the Month November 2010, February 2015, October 2015
Hart Memorial Trophy 2015
Ted Lindsay Award 2015
Vezina Trophy 2015
William M. Jennings Trophy 2015
NHL First All-Star Team 2015
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy 2022
NHL Quarter-Century Team 2025
CHL
CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game 2005
CHL Canada/Russia Series 2005, 2006
CHL Goaltender of the Year Award 2007
WHL
WHL West First All-Star Team 2007
Del Wilson Trophy 2007
AHL
Calder Cup champion 2007
Jack A. Butterfield Trophy 2007
International
World Junior Championship Best Goaltender 2007
World Junior Championship Media All-Star Team 2007
World Junior Championship MVP 2007
Winter Olympics Best Goaltender 2014
National
Lou Marsh Trophy 2015
Lionel Conacher Award 2015
Indspire Sports Award 2016
Montreal Canadiens
Molson Cup 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020

See Also

  • List of NHL goaltenders with 300 wins
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