Canadiens Carey Price Wins Bill Masterton Trophy

Montreal Canadiens netminder Carey Price is the 2021-22 recipient of the Bill Masterton Trophy. The award is handed out to the player 'who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey'. 

This award is voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Price has been a focal point in the NHL for a long time with his play on the ice and these past few years, he's really become a leader off the ice. The Canadiens veteran has battled knee surgeries and doctor's opinions, meanwhile he also voluntarily took part in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in October as he's shed some light on his struggles with mental health and substance abuse. 

Price spoke to the media after receiving the award and had this to say:

There's obstacles in life that will always challenge you. And I think having the ability to overcome those and keep things in perspective and keep moving forward is something that we should all be teaching our children and loved ones. I gotta thank, most importantly, my family. Because without their support, this would be a lot more difficult. I'm very grateful to have all these people in my life.

Price beat out the likes of Kevin Hayes of the Philadelphia Flyers and Zdeno Chara of the New York Islanders. He told reporters on Friday he's planning on playing the 2022-23 season and continues to work through knee issues. The Canadiens meanwhile are trying to figure out what they will do with their veteran goalie as they are in a tough situation with salary cap space to worry about and trying to re-tool on the fly to get back to the Stanley Cup Final.

Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports