In a perfect world, Carey Price will meet with a doctor for another opinion about his wonky knee and the doctor will suggest a course of action that will allow the Canadiens goaltender to resume his career in October.
But this is not a perfect world and that’s the least likely scenario facing Price and the Canadiens.
There is the possibility that Price could undergo further surgery, which would most likely mean he would miss most, if not all, of next season.
And there is the distinct possibility Price’s 700th start on April 29 was his last.
Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes will be awaiting the latest medical news about Price because he needs clarity as he prepares for next season. The only good news is that, if Price is unable to play, the Canadiens will be able to place him on long-term injury reserve. The Canadiens would still be on the hook for his salary — he has US$7.75 million coming his way next season, including a $6.75-million signing bonus to be paid on Sept.1 — but they would free up his $10.5-million cap hit.
