Marc Bergevin fights back tears as he explains why Carey Price is leaving the Habs

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 or made any sort of update to his social media accounts, but his wife Angela Price posted this on her Instagram account earlier today:

Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin held an impromptu press conference with the media just minutes after the announcement and... well... he looked like a broken man telling the story of his broken friend.

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.”

Bergevin even got emotional and choked up when asked how this news has personally affected him and his relationship with Price. "It's hard," is all the veteran GM could muster through tears.

Here's the entire press conference in French and English:

While some people are rolling their eyes at Bergevin's comments, I'm inclined to believe the guy. Bergevin is nothing if not passionate and he's shown time and time again that he truly cares for his players. 

Case in point this photo from the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs when the Habs clinched a spot in the Final:

Whatever the case is with Price and whatever the future holds for him and his family, all we can do is wish him the absolute best. Get well, brother.