Former Montreal Canadiens goaltender José Théodore believes Carey Price’s upcoming induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame is entirely earned, pointing to the rarity of playing an entire career with a single NHL organization, rds.ca reported.
Théodore shared his perspective while attending a ceremony at the Sportium de Sainte-Catherine, where the Riverains du Collège Charles-Lemoyne retired his old number 35 at the M18 AAA level. Speaking with reporter Gabriel Bouchard, Théodore reflected on Price’s path to hockey’s ultimate shrine and the distinct challenges of guarding the crease in Montreal.
Evaluating a Career Spent Entirely in Montreal
While both goaltenders enjoyed the fervent backing of the Centre Bell crowd during their respective tenures in Quebec, Price stands apart as one of the rare franchise cornerstones who never suited up for another sweater. Théodore, who also played in Colorado, Washington, Minnesota and Florida, emphasized just how unusual that stability is in modern professional hockey.
“It’s deserved because, first, the fact that he played his entire career with the same organization—and we can name greats like Guy Lafleur, Patrick Roy, PK Subban—it’s rare,” Théodore told rds.ca.
The former goaltender recalled first encountering Price as an 18-year-old prospect during a Canadiens training camp. Even then, Théodore noted, the raw athletic traits were obvious.
“I had the chance to rub shoulders with him at his first training camp because I was still part of the Canadiens, and then he was an 18-year-old kid. I saw that he really had exceptional talent and that he was a bit like a diamond that just needed a little polishing,” Théodore said. “What he accomplished is fully deserved, he was a role model for many young people, and he is a good person.”
Ranking Among Franchise Legends
When Price takes his place in the Hockey Hall of Fame, he will join an exclusive fraternity. He will become the ninth goaltender who wore the Canadiens jersey to earn induction, following a legendary lineage that includes Georges Vézina, George Hainsworth, Bill Durnan, Jacques Plante, Lorne “Gump” Worsley, Ken Dryden, Tony Esposito, and Patrick Roy.
Rather than anoint Price as the single greatest netminder in franchise history, Théodore placed him comfortably near the very top of a storied depth chart.
“I can’t say he is the greatest because we’ve had; we’ve had Roy, we’ve had Plante, we’ve had [good goaltenders], but he is certainly in the top three to five best goaltenders in the organization without a doubt,” Théodore said.
Théodore highlighted longevity as the defining trait of Price’s career, noting that the external pressure and emotional climate of the Montreal market make sustained success uniquely difficult.
“Carey did exceptional things for the club, and it’s the longevity that impresses me the most, because it’s not easy to play for the same club for so long, even less so in Montreal,” Théodore said. “We know that people are very emotional here and things change quickly, but the fact that he was able to stand out night after night belongs entirely to him.”
Nostalgia at the Minor Hockey Level
Théodore’s weekend also featured personal reflection as the M18 AAA Riverains honored the number he wore during his own developmental years in Sainte-Catherine. The milestone offered a different kind of validation than a professional accolade.
“When you get called after your career with honors or whatever, it almost feels better because you realize you accomplished something,” said Théodore, now 50 years old. He famously popularized the tuque during the first NHL Heritage Classic in 2003.
Surrounded by family, friends, and former teammates at the Sainte-Catherine venue, Théodore delivered an impromptu address to the teenage players currently occupying the dressing room.
“Being here with my former teammates, my mother is here, my friends are here. I had the chance to meet the youngsters in the dressing room, to give them a little speech to tell them that the present time goes fast, appreciate it,” Théodore said. “I would give everything I have to go back to being 15, to be able to tend goal and relive the process to get to the NHL.”
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