Carey Price awarded 2022 Bill Masterton Trophy

Montreal Canadiens' star netminder Carey Price has been named the 2022 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner, awarded to the player "who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey."

The news was announced just prior to Game 2 of the Eastern Conference final between the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers on Friday, with Sportsnet airing a video message that Price shared to thank everyone for their support.

“There’s obstacles in life that will always challenge you and I think having the ability to overcome those and keep things in perspective and keep moving forward is something that we should all be teaching our children and loved ones,” he said.

The 34-year-old won the award over finalists Zdeno Chara of the New York Islanders and Kevin Hayes of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Chara, 45, ended the season with 1,680 career games, surpassing Chris Chelios' record for most games played by a defenseman, while also becaming just the eighth player ever to play in 24 NHL seasons.

Following the passing of his brother and former NHLer Jimmy Hayes, Kevin Hayes also recovered from a plethora of injuries and ailments to score 31 points in 48 games in the 2021-2022 season.

Price appeared in only five games for the Habs this season, all in April, missing the beginning of the season after voluntarily entering the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, while also rehabing offseason knee surgery. His only win of the season came in a 10-2 drubbing of the Florida Panthers on Apr. 29.

The former Vezina trophy winner led the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup final last season, the team's first since 1993. He won 13 games and posted a .924 save percentage, ultimately losing in five games to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

In 712 career NHL games, Price has a record of 361-261-79, while averaging 2.51 goals-against and a .917 save percentage.

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