Carey Price on returning to NHL with lingering knee injury: ‘Right now, it’s just not going to happen’

It’s been a long road to recovery for Montreal Canadiens star Carey Price, and it’s not done yet.

In a pre-season interview Tuesday, when Price was announced as the named brand ambassador for CFMOTO — an all-terrain vehicle company — he was asked about his knee and his health prior to the upcoming season.

“Honestly on a day-to-day basis, it feels really good. I come here towards the start of training camp and I feel like I could still go out there and wreak havoc,” said Price. “Honestly on a day-to-day basis, I feel really good, but when I do certain things on a consistent basis it’s a very solid reminder that my knee is not in a position to take the brunt of a full season’s workload.”

Price went on to explain he still gets swelling in his knee, which affects his long-term ability to lace up the skates.

“The honest thing is right now, it’s just not going to happen. To take the stress of the goaltending position, it’s not where it needs to be. So for now I’m just going to continue to try and rehab my knee to a position where it’s fit for life in general,” explained Price.

"When I do certain things on a consistent basis, it's a very solid reminder that my knee is not a position to take the brunt of a full season's workload."

Carey Price provides an update on his lingering knee injury. pic.twitter.com/heBRWEhqav

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 12, 2023

“On a day-to-day basis I feel great. I’m very fortunate, I’m very thankful that on a day-to-day I can walk around and pick my kids up, and go on hikes and whatnot for short periods of time and not be bothered,” he added. “For instance I play in a charity softball tournament, not too strenuous. It’s not very strenuous. I play a full day and doing that every once in a while, it’s not a big deal. I’m a hockey player, I can deal with being uncomfortable.

“Just playing softball for a day makes my knee swell up for two weeks.”

“I feel like I could go out there this training camp and make the team, but then I play in a softball tournament and my knee swells up for two weeks, and I’m like OK, a full burden of a season’s load is not going to cut it.”

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Price has been dealing with a lingering knee injury since the Canadiens playoff run in 2014. In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final, Price was taken out by the New York Rangers’ Chris Kreider. Since then he’s picked up similar injuries on the same knee, as well as some other injuries that have kept him off the ice.

Since 2020-21, he’s only played 31 games, with one of those being with the Habs’ AHL team in Laval.

Price noted on Tuesday that he is willing to help the team in any way he can, even if it means getting traded.

“Hockey is a business. Money management and cap space is a part of that. I’m going to be a Montreal Canadien for the rest of my life, and I’m very proud of that. So, I’m willing to help this team in any aspect.”

CFMOTO Brand Ambassador

As for being the brand ambassador for CFMOTO, Price will feature in various activities, where he’ll be promoting the many vehicles that are made by the company.

“I am very pleased to become the CFMOTO Canada Brand Ambassador to promote these great vehicles that allow Canadians to get outdoors and enjoy sports and activities in the amazing and varied environments we have across Canada,” said Price. “I know what it’s like to be on a great team.”

With Price as the brand ambassador, CFMOTO will be supporting the Ulkatcho Kids’ Nature Program — a program within Price’s home community of Ulkatcho First Nation at Anahim Lake, B.C. — by supplying a UFORCE 1000 XL vehicle to the Ulkatcho First Nation Foundation.

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, who is on the long-term injury reserve list, poses with a side-by-side utility vehicle after being named brand ambassador for CFMOTO Canada vehicles in Montreal, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

In addition, the company will also be launching a limited Carey Price Edition of its UFORCE 600 side-by-side utility vehicle, which will feature Price’s number 31, his autograph, and some other special features.

“Everyone connected to CFMOTO across Canada is absolutely delighted to welcome Carey Price as our Brand Ambassador,” said Patrick Robertson, Executive Vice President of Canada Motor Import Inc (CMI), the parent company of CFMOTO Canada.

In July, CFMOTO and the Montreal Canadiens entered a multi-year partnership. The deal will see the hockey team get some CFMOTO vehicles at Centre Bell throughout the NHL season.