Carey Price Almost Returned to Canadiens Last Season, Sources Say

The Montreal Canadiens nearly welcomed back Carey Price for the final stretch of the 2024–25 season, according to a firsthand account from a fan who recently met the Hall of Fame-bound goaltender. Price, who hasn't played an NHL game since the 2021–22 season due to chronic knee issues, reportedly made a serious attempt to return but was ultimately sidelined by recurring pain.

Paul Langille, who met Price over the weekend, shared the details on X. “Home from Moncton. Was amazing meeting Carey Price. Was crazy hearing his story about attempting a comeback to Habs last year as he felt great. But woke up next morning with knee pain. He misses the game and the Habs. But mentioned about being a goalie coach for MTL,” Langille wrote.

Price, 38, signed an eight-year, $84 million contract extension with the Canadiens in 2017. That deal expired after the 2025–26 season, and he will finish his career with a 361-261-79 record, a 2.51 goals-against average, a .917 save percentage, and 49 shutouts. His six-time All-Star résumé and 2014 Vezina Trophy win have already cemented his legacy as one of the league’s greatest netminders.

The Canadiens are now looking to the future in goal, and Price has already identified Jacob Fowler as a potential successor. The 22-year-old rookie has drawn praise for his poise and hockey IQ, with Price comparing him to his own early-career style. Fowler posted a 2.68 GAA and .914 save percentage in 41 games during his rookie season, leading the team in wins with 21.

With Price’s return seemingly out of reach, the Canadiens are counting on Fowler to take the next step and become a franchise cornerstone. The team is currently in a playoff race and hoping his development can mirror the trajectory of Price’s early years in Montreal.

The Canadiens will look to Fowler again in the 2026–27 season as they aim to build on recent success and continue their resurgence in the Atlantic Division.