The Price is Right

  Pierre Gauthier announced Thursday that the Canadiens have re-signed Carey Price to a two-year contract. The deal is worth $5.5 million, with Price set to earn $2.5 million this season, and $3 million in 2011-2012.

  It took a long time for Price to sign the contract, which led to much question and concern in Montreal. One report stated that Price was ready to “go on strike” if his contract wasn’t his desired $3 million per-year deal.

"We are extremely happy that Carey has agreed to pursue his career with the Canadiens," Gauthier said in a statement. "Carey is a key member of our Club. He has proven that he has what it takes to be a good goaltender in the league, and we are confident he will perform to the best of his abilities for years to come in a Canadiens uniform."

  23 year-old Price enters his fourth year pro with the Candiens after being drafted in the first round (5th overall by the Canadiens). In 41 games last season, Price posted a 13-20-5 record with a 2.77 GAA and a .912 save percentage.  He also appeared in four playoff games for the Habs. Price was dethroned by Jaroslav Halak in the course of last season, struggling to match Halak’s numbers.

  It is an oddity how much each goaltender’s demand for term and money nearly put both of them out of Montreal. For one reason I suppose the pressure in Montreal (in net) is probably worth some added hazard pay, but this is the team that got to the Eastern Conference Finals, eliminating giants’ Washington Capitals and the defending Stanley Cup winners, Pittsburgh Penguins.

  Price fills in the number one spot after Jaraslav Halak’s departure via trade to the St. Louis Blues earlier this summer. Halak led his team as they marched into the Eastern Conference Finals from 7th place, where they were eliminated by the Flyers.

  Any goalie playing number one in Montreal has the spotlight on him, and a ton of pressure. Carey Price may be kicking himself for demanding a certain amount if he falters. He comes off of two consecutive lackluster years.

  The city of Montreal has touted him in the past as potentially the “Next Patrick Roy.” The Habs have held faith in him, knowing what his pedigree is, and prospect of the franchise goalie he should be. He is the first player in hockey history to win the Canadian Hockey League Goaltender of the Year, World Junior Championship Tournament MVP in Canada's 2007 gold medal run, and win the AHL Playoff Most Valuable Player Trophy in helping the Hamilton Bulldogs win the Calder Cup, all in the same year.

- Kendall Grubbs