Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price. Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Canadiens goaltender Carey Price wins Masterton Trophy

Montreal Canadiens  goaltender Carey Price was announced as the 2022 Masterton Trophy winner prior to Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final on Friday. 

Voted upon by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, the Masterton Trophy is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. 

Along with Price, the New York Islanders defenseman Zdeno Chara and Philadelphia Flyers forward Kevin Hayes were finalists.

"It's definitely a special honor for me. I'm very grateful to receive this award," Price said. "Looking at some of the past players that have received this is definitely a special list. There are a lot of players on there that I have a ton of respect for, and I'm very grateful to be a part of that." 

Price, 34, underwent knee surgery last July and was expected to miss the 2021-22 season. He returned to start five games for the Canadiens in April but was shut down after knee problems returned. The future hall of famer also dealt with mental health issues, voluntarily entering the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in October.

Price is the sixth Hab to win the award and the first since Max Pacioretty in 2012. He's the first goaltender to win Masterton Trophy since New York Islanders netminder Robin Lehner in 2019. 

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