Price hoping to play this season: 'It's part of my identity'

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price says he's hopeful he'll be able to suit up at some point this season.

Price is still rehabbing a knee injury that's kept him out of action since last summer's Stanley Cup Final. He addressed the media for the first time this season on Sunday.

"It's definitely an objective for me this season," Price said on returning to the Canadiens, per Sportsnet's Eric Engels.

"It's part of my identity," Price added, according to The Athletic's Arpon Basu.

On top of his injury, Price voluntarily entered the NHL's player assistance program in October. He exited after one month.

"It was very difficult," Price said. "I was in a position where I definitely needed to reach out and it was a trying time for sure. ... It was one that needed to be made, and ultimately it was successful. Very thankful for the help that I got."

The Canadiens sit dead last in the NHL standings and overhauled their front office this season. Price would be an attractive trade chip for contending teams in need of help in goal if he's healthy enough to play, but the former MVP says he's committed to Montreal.

"Me and my family are very happy here," he said. "We're settled in. This is our home. There's a reason I signed the contract I did here with a no-movement clause. As of right now, I have no plans to be anywhere else."

Price is under contract at $10.5 million per season until 2026. He waived his no-movement clause prior to the Seattle Kraken expansion draft but wasn't chosen.

The 34-year-old has spent his entire career with the Habs after they selected him fifth overall in 2005. He's one of the most decorated goaltenders of his generation, with Hart and Vezina Trophies on his resume along with a .917 save percentage across 707 career contests.