In case you missed the shocking news earlier today, Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price has taken a leave of absence from the team while voluntarily taking part in the league's player assistance program.
It's unclear when Price will return and what exactly this means, but it's worth noting that in the past players have used the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program to help them with drug and/or alcohol addiction problems.
Here's the official statement from the NHL and the NHLPA regarding Price:
NEW YORK/TORONTO (Oct. 7, 2021) – The National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) announced today that goalie Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens will be away from the team while voluntarily taking part in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.
Price himself has not yet spoken to the media but Habs GM Marc Bergevin conducted an emotional press conference where he fought back tears and shared what he could about the situation.
Bergevin effectively said that Price will be gone from the team for a minimum of 30 days but that it "could be longer." More than that though, Bergevin shared some truly heartfelt concerns about price and his family in his comments today.
“Today I’m not thinking of Carey Price the Montreal Canadiens goalie, but Carey Price the human being.”
“I believe better days are ahead for Carey and his family.”
In the hours since Price's announcement we've seen several people close to him come forward and offer either their explanation of the situation, or just offer sympathy to their friend. Former Canadiens goaltending coach Stephane Waite set the record straight saying that Price's decision to step away from the NHL has "nothing to do with alcohol, nothing to do with drugs, nothing to do with pills and nothing to do with gambling." GM Marc Bergevin gave his full support to Price and said that he expects that he believes there are "better days ahead for Carey and his family."
Now former teammate and long-tme friend Tomas Plekanec is stepping forward to offer his support for Price.
Check it out:
Whatever the case is with Price, all we can do is offer him our support in a difficult time. Get well, brother.
