An era ends in Montreal, even if it may have been over since 2022. The Canadiens have traded Carey Price’s contract to the San Jose Sharks. In exchange, the Habs are acquiring defenceman Gannon Laroque.
Habs Move Price Contract
Trade:
To #sjsharks: Contract of G Carey Price, 2026 5th Round Pick
To #GoHabsGo: D Gannon LaroqueMontréal will (hopefully) not operate in LTIR to open season after paying Price’s signing bonus. San Jose has cap floor flexibility if they end up trading away players later.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 5, 2025
In addition to Price’s $10.5 million contract, the Sharks are also acquiring a 2026 fifth-round pick. By taking on the contract, the Sharks are at the salary floor.
End of an Era
The era has been over since 2022, but now it is official.
Price played 15 seasons in Montreal, playing in 712 games and winning 361. Price’s best season came in 2014-15. He posted a career-high 44 wins. Furthermore, he won the Hart and Vezina Trophy.
During the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Price carried the Canadiens into the Stanley Cup Final. For the historic franchise, it was their first appearance in the Final since 1993. Unfortunately for Price and the Habs, the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated them in five games.
Purpose of the Trade
Price had been on long-term injured reserve, so his salary was not counting against the cap. So, why would the Habs move the contract? Why give away anything if the money does not count against the cap?
Price being long-term injured reserve does not generate extra cap space at the trade deadline. Moving Price’s contract gives the Canadiens flexilibity at this season’s trade deadline. Furthermore, any bonuses included on entry-level contracts, such as Lane Hutson and Ivan Demidov, are paid off this coming season instead of rolling over into the 2026-27 season.
In short, moving Price’s contract gives the organization extra breathing room as they continue to build a contending team.
Main Photo: Eric Bolte- Imagn Images
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