Canadiens expect Price back 'soon' from player assistance program

Carey Price may be ready to return to the Montreal Canadiens shortly after his time in the NHL's player assistance program concludes.

"We don't have confirmation yet, but we're expecting him in town soon," Canadiens head coach Dominique Ducharme said Tuesday, according to Sportsnet's Eric Engels. "We don't have the exact date yet."

Players must spend a minimum of 30 days in the program, and Friday will be Price's 30th.

The goaltender voluntarily entered the program on Oct. 7. Montreal general manager Marc Bergevin said at the time that Price could be out longer than the 30-day minimum. One day before that, the Canadiens said they expected the netminder to miss the start of the season due to a non-COVID-19 illness.

Price excelled in last season's Stanley Cup Playoffs, posting a .924 save percentage over 22 games while leading the Canadiens to a surprise appearance in the championship round. The 34-year-old raised his game after struggling during the regular season.

Montreal will host the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.

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