Canadiens Officially Trade Legendary Goaltender Carey Price to San Jose Sharks

This long-anticipated move marks a strategic turning point for the Kent Hughes-led organization, which aims to free up salary cap space to accelerate the team's rebuild.

Carey Price, considered one of the best goaltenders in Canadiens history, hasn't played since the 2021-2022 season due to persistent knee injuries. His contract, carrying a $10.5 million cap hit through the end of the 2025-2026 season, had become a financial burden for Montreal, even while on long-term injured reserve (LTIR).

With the payout of his final $5.5 million signing bonus on September 1, 2025, the remaining actual salary of $2 million-partially covered by insurance-made his contract appealing for a team seeking to reach the salary floor.

In this trade, the Canadiens sent Carey Price's contract and a 2026 fifth-round pick to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Gannon Laroque.

Drafted 5th overall by the Canadiens in 2005, Carey Price left a lasting mark on the franchise with his stellar performances.

Winner of the Vezina Trophy in 2015, the Hart Trophy the same year, and an Olympic gold medal with Canada in 2014, Price was a team cornerstone for more than a decade. His resilience also earned him the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2022 for returning to play despite injuries.

By moving Price's contract, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton free up significant salary cap space.

This flexibility could allow the Canadiens to target impact players on the market, such as a second-line center, or finalize deals with key players like Lane Hutson.