Carey Price has been making baby steps towards a return to action for some time, and this morning he took another step by beginning to actually take shots from David Desharnais. He then spoke to the media to address his addition to Team Canada for the World Cup, and the status of his rehab.
First, on his addition to Team Canada, Price was very happy to be included.
#Habs Price: “It’s an honor to represent my country, our country. It’s gonna be a fun tournament.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) March 3, 2016
On his status, Price said that he’s continuing the long process, but that he’s felt much better in the last few weeks.
Price says he’s continuing the process, says last couple of weeks he feels he’s turned a corner. #HabsOn690
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) March 3, 2016
On how he felt taking shots today for the first time in quite a while.
Desharnais took some shots today, how did that feel?#Habs Price: “Felt great. I haven’t seen a shot in three months.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) March 3, 2016
On the big question of whether he thinks he’ll be getting back to action this season.
Carey Price “pretty confident” he is going to play again before the end of this season #Habs
— Douglas Gelevan (@DGelevan) March 3, 2016
On whether surgery was ever an option they were considering.
#Habs Price: “It’s never been an option to have surgery.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) March 3, 2016
On the constant speculation of whether he had been suffering setbacks.
Any setbacks? #Habs Price: “No, no setbacks. It just kind of plateau’d at one point.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) March 3, 2016
And as to whether he’s worried about any setbacks at this point?
Worried about setbacks?
#Habs Price: “No. We’ve been staying within my limits on the ice, we’ve been pushing it in the gym.”— Chantal (@pucksnlife) March 3, 2016
Price noted that the fact he’s soon to be a new father will affect his ability to participate in the World Championships ahead of the World Cup.
Carey Price says he won’t attend the IIHF World Hockey Championship because his wife is due to give birth April 29.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 3, 2016
He also spoke about P.K Subban’s exclusion from Canada’s preliminary roster, and said that there was plenty of time for him to still make the team.
#Habs Price on PK re: team Canada: “It’s not the final roster. Those four guys are studs. There’s still opportunity to make the team.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) March 3, 2016
He also addressed the issue of whether his leadership is missed in the Canadiens‘ room right now.
Is your leadership missed?#Habs Price: “I think my presence is better felt on the ice than in the dressing room”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) March 3, 2016
He had some kind words for his backup Mike Condon as well.
#Habs Price has good words for Mike Condon. Says he was put in a difficult position and has played well.
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) March 3, 2016
He fell short of actually giving a timeline for a return, but Montreal Canadiens fans should be happy to hear that he sounds very confident about being back between the pipes soon.
This also bodes rather well for the hopes of team Canada at the World Cup.
