With an off-season that never seems to have an end designated for it, Montreal’s looming free agent Carey Price has finally signed on with the Habitants today. After months of negotiations, with a tense fan-base becoming concerned with each passing day, Montreal could finally say that they had a goaltender in the pipes. The question now is, was it worth the price they’re paying for his services over he next two years?
For General Manager Pierre Gauthier that answers seems to be a resounding yes. From his trading of Prices competition and last year playoff hero Jaroslav Halak and up-and-coming prospect Cedrick Desjardins, to today’s contract offer in an off-season that has seen salaries for goalies look like housing prices in Detroit, Gauthier seems to have put himself “all in” on Price proving that he is the number one goalie for the Habs. Here’s what Gauthier had to say about the signing:
“We are extremely happy that Carey has agreed to pursue his career with the Canadiens,” Gauthier said in a statement. “Carey is a key member of our Club. He has proven that he has what it takes to be a good goaltender in the league, and we are confident he will perform to the best of his abilities for years to come in a Canadiens uniform.”
However, few outside of the most zealots Montreal are as optimistic. With losing the starting job to Halak last year, and his playoff issues the year before, many seem to be concerned that Montreal maybe not be able to sneak into the lower positions of the playoff picture like the last two years, or if they do, it’ll be hard pressed to repeat last year’s miracle. That Montreal has only raw rookies in AHL and Alex Auld, whom they signed in late July, to fall back on doesn’t help matters at all.
So now that I've been paid, how do I earn it?
So was there anyone better on the market this year, especially with goalies having their values crash as quickly as Detroit real estate? Kari Lehtonen, whom it looks like will get the starting gig for the Stars (at least when your competition is Andrew Raycroft and Brett Krahn).. And while Kari got the three million that Price was reporting to have wanted to hold out for, he’s also over three years over, and really isn’t worth that amount either for his track record. Another would be Stanley Cup winner Antti Niemi, whom was left out of Chicago due to their cap situation. While he pulled a Ken Dryden type season, that’s really all he has to his resume in the NHL, and the Habs already traded away a player with similar performance only a few months ago. And I’m sure he wouldn’t have signed for less then three million. After that there was precious little that would be starter grade in the goalie ranks. Nabakov bolted for Mother Russia before summer even began, and could have gotten a decent deal if only for a year or so. Turco was thought of so highly by Dallas that he signed with Chicago for barely two million just to fit under the cap. Jose Theodore not only would be lambasted upon his return, but he’s no better then Price; indeed some would argue his play was one of the reasons why Montreal was victorious against his former team. Biron looked horrible in his year of exile with the Islanders before signing with the Rangers for a million less then Price. And after that it’s a combination of scrubs and former stars. Toskala, Emery, Lalime among others are some that are either on as backups, or still waiting for offers.
So with summer ending and the Kovalchuk situation wrapping up tomorrow, the Price saga hasn’t gotten much traction outside of Montreal, but those that do root for les Habitants feel a bit better that Price is signed, even if they don’t feel too confident about his play. For those following the team, having the possibility of seeing Auld starting between the pipes for the home opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs is a prospect that no fan that I’ve met relishes. At least none that follows the tricolours. With Price between the pipes, at lest Montreal will have a chance for the playoffs this year, even if his performance sometimes makes us fans cringe and slap our foreheads. For Gauthier, his job could possibly rely on Price living up to the hopes that him and the Montreal brass have for him.
After all, it’s all Price’s team now. For better or worse.
Popularity: 7%
The owner of the Sports Blog Network, Chris tells it exactly as he sees it, be it in the stands, in front of the tv, or on his semi-trusty laptop. And always with a can of trusty Dr. Pepper by his side, and spell-check working overtime. 
Seeing this just makes my day. Not only do we get this guy for the home opener, but if we can chase him out of the game they’re stuck with Auld.
Pinch me I must be dreaming!
Price’s numbers last year weren’t bad, he just had a bad win-loss record. Not really his fault when he posts a .912 Save %. I still think he has the athleticism to be a top goalie in the NHL, but now what he needs it confidence. Hopefully with Habs management saying he’s number 1, that he’ll start to believe it himself.
He was considered the starter after Huet was kicked to the curb as well. That didn’t work out too well.
He has been three years in the majors to win trust. How long will he need?