Price's health, youth development are big off-season storylines for Habs

BROSSARD, Que. — The health of star goaltender Carey Price and the development of their youthful core will be key storylines after a whirlwind of a season for the Montreal Canadiens.

The Habs navigated through one of the worst campaigns in their history, going from Stanley Cup finalists in 2020-21 to a 32nd, and dead last, finish in 2021-22.

At the start of the season, the Canadiens had Dominique Ducharme as head coach and Marc Bergevin as general manager. By season’s end, those two were gone as part of a sweeping overhaul in the front office and behind the bench.

Kent Hughes became GM, team owner Geoff Molson brought on Jeff Gorton as vice president of hockey operations and Martin St. Louis joined as interim head coach.

The ship still sank to the bottom of the ocean, and the on-ice issues could bleed into next season. Before a 10-2 rout of the first-place Florida to close the campaign, the Habs were in the midst of a nine-game losing skid.

Price started that final game to pick up his only win of a tumultuous season.

After helping the Canadiens reach the Stanley Cup final in 2021, the 34-year-old Price underwent knee surgery last summer. He suffered numerous setbacks in returning to the game.

The Vezina and Hart Trophy winner in 2015 also sought help from the NHLPA/NHL player assistance program in October for substance abuse.

Despite the setbacks, Price returned to play five games in 2021-22. He has been nominated for this year's Bill Masterton Trophy, awarded to the NHL player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game.''

Still, his future as a consistent starter remains in doubt.

“My honest opinion is no. I don't believe that in the current state it would be