The Hockey Legacy of Carey Price
Born in the small, tight-knit community of Anahim Lake, Carey Price's early years were spent on frozen ponds, where his natural athleticism and love for hockey first took root. Raised in a family deeply connected to the land and their Ulkatcho First Nations heritage, Price's path to the NHL was anything but conventional. His raw talent caught the eye of scouts during his time with the Tri-City Americans in the WHL, where his ability to read plays like a seasoned veteran set him apart. By 2005, the Montreal Canadiens saw something special in the lanky netminder, selecting him fifth overall—a decision that would reshape the franchise's future.
Price's NHL debut in 2007 was a glimpse of what was to come: a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins where he made 26 saves, including a jaw-dropping glove stop on Sidney Crosby that left the hockey world buzzing. His rookie season culminated in a masterful performance at the 2007 AHL Calder Cup playoffs, where he led the Hamilton Bulldogs to victory, showcasing a maturity beyond his years. But it was the 2014-15 season that cemented his legacy. With a .933 save percentage and a league-leading 44 wins, Price became the first goalie in NHL history to sweep the Vezina, Jennings, Hart, and Ted Lindsay awards—a feat that left teammates like P.K. Subban in awe. 'Playing behind Carey was like having a force field,' Subban once remarked. 'He made the impossible look routine.'
Beyond the stats, Price's impact resonated in moments like the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, where he dragged an underdog Canadiens squad to the Final with a .924 save percentage, including a 29-save shutout in Game 5 against Vegas. His ability to elevate his game when it mattered most became his trademark. Off the ice, Price's advocacy for Indigenous youth and mental health awareness—fueled by his own struggles with anxiety—added depth to his legacy. Though injuries curtailed his later years, his influence endures in young goalies like Cayden Primeau, who call him a mentor. 'He taught me that greatness isn’t about flashy saves,' Primeau said. 'It’s about consistency, preparation, and respect for the craft.'
- 2007 Calder Cup MVP: At just 19, Price dominated the AHL playoffs, posting a 2.06 GAA and a .936 save percentage, including a 46-save triple-overtime win in Game 5 of the Finals.
- 2015 Hart Trophy: Became the first goalie in 13 years to win the NHL's MVP, carrying a Habs team with limited offensive firepower to a division title.
- 2014 Olympic Gold: Backstopped Team Canada to victory in Sochi with a 0.59 GAA, allowing just three goals in five games—a performance teammate Shea Weber called 'the most locked-in I’ve ever seen a goalie.'
- 2021 Playoff Run: Defied odds with a .924 save percentage in the postseason, including a 37-save gem in Game 6 against Toronto to clinch the series.
- Franchise Records: Holds Canadiens records for most wins (361) and shutouts (49), surpassing legends like Jacques Plante and Patrick Roy.
- Indigenous Advocacy: Partnered with the Breakfast Club of Canada to fund meals for Indigenous youth, reflecting his commitment to giving back to communities like his own.