Canadiens expect star goaltender Carey Price to return 'soon' from player assistance program

The Montreal Canadiens began the 2021-22 NHL season at 2-8-0 without having the services of star goaltender Carey Price, who entered the NHL/NHL Players' Association player assistance program back on Oct. 7. 

It was said at that time Price would miss at least 30 days of the campaign, and Canadiens head coach Dominique Ducharme offered an update on the 34-year-old Tuesday and before an evening matchup against the 4-3-2 Detroit Red Wings. 

"We don’t have confirmation yet, but we’re expecting him in town soon," Ducharme said of Price, per Sportsnet. "We don’t have the exact date yet." 

It's unclear when Price could return to the lineup. 

Before Oct. 7, Ducharme previously said Price was set to miss the start of the season as he continued his recovery from an unspecified non-COVID-19 illness and also offseason knee surgery. Angela Price, the goalie's wife, cited mental health in a statement she released after it was learned he entered the player assistance program: