Carey Price

Carey Price was selected 5th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. The draft took place on July 30, 2005. Price, who played for the Tri-City Americans in the WHL, was highly regarded for his skills as a goaltender. His selection was considered a critical choice for the Canadiens, aiming to secure a future superstar at the goalie position.

Carey Price led the Hamilton Bulldogs to victory in the 2007 Calder Cup playoffs, clinching the championship on April 20, 2007. Price joined the Bulldogs late in the season after finishing his WHL career and immediately became their starting goaltender. His performance was outstanding, earning him the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as the playoff MVP.

In the 2008 NHL playoffs, rookie Carey Price was named the starting goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens. On April 29, 2008, Price helped the Canadiens win their first playoff series since 2004 by defeating the Boston Bruins. Price's emergence as a reliable goalie was seen as a bright spot in the Canadiens' playoff run that year.

Carey Price completed a remarkable 2010-2011 NHL regular season by playing 72 games, leading all goalies in games played. On April 13, 2011, the season concluded with Price finishing with a .923 save percentage and 38 wins. His durability and performance were crucial for the Canadiens, eventually earning him a place as a Vezina Trophy finalist.

On January 29, 2012, Carey Price started in the 2012 NHL All-Star Game as the goaltender for Team Chara. His selection marked his second appearance in the All-Star Game. Price's performance throughout the regular season earned him this prestigious spot, highlighting his status as one of the top goalies in the league.

On February 23, 2014, Carey Price and Team Canada won the gold medal in men's ice hockey at the Sochi Winter Olympics. Price was pivotal in their success, delivering a stellar performance with shutouts in the semifinal against the USA and the final against Sweden. Price's goaltending was a significant factor in Canada claiming their second consecutive Olympic gold in men's hockey.

On June 24, 2015, Carey Price was awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player. Price became the first goaltender to win the Hart Trophy in over a decade. In the 2014-2015 NHL season, Price led the league with 44 wins, a 1.96 goals-against average, and a .933 save percentage. His performance was instrumental in leading the Montreal Canadiens to the top of the Atlantic Division.

On July 2, 2017, Carey Price signed an eight-year contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens worth $84 million. This deal made Price the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history at that time. Price's signing reflected his status as a franchise cornerstone for the Canadiens, who relied heavily on his elite goaltending skills.

On July 12, 2021, Carey Price underwent knee surgery, which was described as a necessary procedure to alleviate pain and discomfort that had been lingering. Price had just led the Montreal Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final, displaying heroics throughout the playoffs despite battling injuries. This surgery was meant to ensure his long-term health and ability to return to top form.

On October 15, 2021, the Montreal Canadiens announced that Carey Price entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program to focus on his mental health and overall well-being. This decision came after a challenging period where Price dealt with injuries and personal issues. His openness about seeking help was praised, shedding light on mental health issues in professional sports.