The Montreal Canadiens have completed a notable trade, transferring the contract of their esteemed long-serving goaltender, Carey Price, to the San Jose Sharks. This transaction, publicly announced on Friday, additionally involves the Canadiens sending a fifth-round draft pick in 2026 to San Jose, in exchange for promising minor-league defenceman Gannon Laroque.
Price`s Contract and Financial Impact
Carey Price is entering the final season of his substantial eight-year, US$84-million agreement. While the contract carries a significant $10.5-million cap hit, only $2 million in actual salary is due to be paid, primarily because of a recent $5.5-million signing bonus. This strategic financial maneuver has markedly improved the Canadiens` salary cap flexibility, positioning them approximately $4.5 million under the NHL`s salary cap ceiling, as reported by PuckPedia.
A Legendary Career Draws to a Close
Known for his remarkably composed presence in goal and his memorable windmill glove saves, Price has, in effect, retired from professional hockey. The 38-year-old native of Anahim Lake, B.C., has not participated in an NHL game since April 29, 2022, when he backstopped the Canadiens to a decisive 10-2 victory in their 2021-22 season finale.
During that same season, despite making only five appearances due to a persistent knee injury that prematurely ended his illustrious career, Price was deservingly awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. This esteemed accolade is presented to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and unwavering dedication to hockey.
Selected fifth overall by the Canadiens in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Price forged an unforgettable legacy. On March 12, 2019, he surpassed the legendary Jacques Plante to officially become the franchise`s all-time winningest netminder, securing his 315th career victory.
Reflecting on the trade, Price humorously acknowledged his new affiliation on X (formerly Twitter), quipping, “Always a Hab. Just a teal one for now,” which he accompanied with a playful wink emoji and a nod to the Canadiens` iconic red, white, and blue colors.
Career Highlights and Key Statistics
Price concluded his distinguished regular-season career with an impressive record of 361 wins, 261 losses, and 79 ties/overtime losses, including 49 shutouts. He maintained a strong .917 save percentage and a 2.51 goals-against average. In the demanding playoff environment, he posted a formidable .919 save percentage and a 2.39 GAA across 92 games.
Although the coveted Stanley Cup ultimately eluded him, Price famously led the Canadiens on an unexpected deep run to the 2021 Final, battling through his knee injury, before Montreal was eventually defeated by the Tampa Bay Lightning in five games.
His 2014-15 season stands out as a pinnacle of his career, earning him both the Hart Trophy as the NHL`s Most Valuable Player and the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender. In that remarkable year, he recorded 44 wins, an exceptional .933 save percentage, and a stingy 1.96 GAA.
The preceding season, Price played a pivotal role in securing Canada`s gold medal victory at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, showcasing an astounding .972 save percentage and allowing only three goals across five games.
Despite his undeniably illustrious career, Price was not included in the highly anticipated 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame class, which featured prominent figures such as Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton, and Duncan Keith, in his initial year of eligibility.
Gannon Laroque: Montreal`s New Acquisition
Gannon Laroque, a fourth-round draft pick by the Sharks in 2021, spent the 2023-24 season gaining experience in both the American Hockey League (AHL) and the ECHL. The 22-year-old defenceman, who hails from Edmonton, did not participate in any games during the 2024-25 season.
Summary of Trade Details
San Jose Sharks Acquire:
- Carey Price (contract)
- Fifth-round draft pick (2026)
Montreal Canadiens Acquire:
- Gannon Laroque
