Yes, Carey Price is still getting paid by the Montreal Canadiens. Despite not having skated since April 29, 2022, and with uncertainty surrounding his potential return to the ice, he remains under contract and continues to receive his full salary.
Contract Status and Salary Details
Carey Price's contract is substantial, making him one of the highest-paid goaltenders in the National Hockey League (NHL). His continued payment is managed under the league's Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) rules.
- Current Annual Salary: Price earns $10.5 million annually.
- Team: Montreal Canadiens.
- Highest-Paid Goalie Status: As of today, Price remains the highest-paid goalie in the NHL.
- Contract Duration: He will continue to receive this annual salary while on LTIR until the conclusion of next season, as per his current contract terms and status.
- Playing Status: He has been inactive since April 29, 2022, and it is uncertain if he will ever play again.
Here's a quick overview of his financial situation:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Player | Carey Price |
| Team | Montreal Canadiens |
| Annual Salary | $10.5 million |
| Contract Status | Under Contract, placed on LTIR |
| Playing Status | Inactive since April 29, 2022; potential never to play |
Understanding Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR)
Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) is a vital mechanism in the NHL that allows teams to manage their salary cap when a player is expected to miss a significant amount of time due to injury. When a player is placed on LTIR, their salary cap hit can be temporarily removed or mitigated, providing the team with essential cap relief to sign or recall other players. It's crucial to understand that even though the team gains cap flexibility, the injured player still receives their full salary while on LTIR. This system helps teams maintain competitive rosters while honoring their contractual obligations to injured players.
For more details on NHL contracts and salary cap rules, you can refer to reputable sources like the NHL Official Website or CapFriendly, which provide comprehensive data on player contracts and cap implications.
Impact on the Montreal Canadiens
While Price's salary represents a significant financial commitment, placing him on LTIR provides the Canadiens with a crucial workaround for salary cap management. This allows them to operate above the salary cap ceiling by the amount of his cap hit, provided they meet specific conditions. This flexibility is vital for roster management, enabling them to bring in replacement players and manage their roster effectively without being penalized by Price's substantial cap hit, even as they continue to pay him.
