A legendary goaltender’s 15-year run in Montreal ended this week. The Montreal Canadiens traded Carey Price to the San Jose Sharks, closing the book on one of the most decorated careers in franchise history.
While Price had effectively stepped away from hockey due to persistent knee injuries, the Canadiens’ decision to move his contract confirms what many had speculated for months. Despite Kent Hughes’ insistence that the trade wasn’t the only option for the team to improve its cap situation, dealing Price’s $10.5 million contract gave Montreal the financial flexibility it desperately needed entering the 2025-26 season.
Although Price hasn’t played for the Canadiens since April 2022, he made one final contribution to the organization before he left.
How Did Carey Price Help the Montreal Canadiens Complete His Trade to the San Jose Sharks?
Hockey insiders had long anticipated this move. With Montreal paying Price his final $5.5 million signing bonus on Sept. 1, the timing aligned perfectly for a contract dump that would relieve the Canadiens of their salary cap troubles. The Sharks emerged as the ideal partner among the teams linked to the netminder.
According to reports, the Canadiens traded Price and a fifth-round 2026 draft pick to San Jose in exchange for defenseman Gannon Laroque. However, the deal hinged entirely on Price’s willingness to cooperate.
The trade would not have been possible without Price’s gesture to waive his no-movement clause. Throughout his storied career in Montreal, the goalie made countless spectacular saves, but his last save for the team came off the ice and proved just as crucial for the franchise’s future.
“Just a technicality, but as I just wrote for @Sportsnet, Carey Price made one last big save for the Canadiens. Don’t forget he had to waive his no-movement clause for the trade to San Jose,” posted Eric Engels on his X account.
Just a technicality, but as I just wrote for @Sportsnet, Carey Price made one last big save for the Canadiens. Don’t forget he had to waive his no-movement clause for the trade to San Jose.
I have no doubt he’ll be honoured in MTL someday. Hopefully soon.
Article drops soon.— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) September 5, 2025
Price understood the trade’s importance to Montreal’s salary cap situation and made the process seamless for management. The move freed up $4.57 million in cap space, giving the Canadiens financial flexibility they haven’t enjoyed in years. As he officially parted ways with Montreal, Price made his feelings clear about his connection to the organization.
Always a Hab. Just a teal one for now 😉🔵⚪️🔴
— Carey Price (@CP0031) September 6, 2025
Price ranks among the greatest goalies in Canadiens history. His career .917 save percentage tells the story of sustained excellence over 15 seasons. In his final appearance against the Florida Panthers on April 29, 2022, Price allowed just two goals on 39 shots, a fitting display of the skill that defined his tenure in Montreal.
This conclusion isn’t what the Canadiens community ever envisioned for their franchise icon, but it represented a necessary step for both parties. Price gets a fresh start with San Jose while helping his beloved Canadiens build toward their future.
