Price enters assistance program

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price voluntarily entered the NHL/NHL Players Association joint player assistance program, a stunning announcement Thursday less than a week before start of the season and just three months after the former NHL MVP backstopped Montreal to a Stanley Cup final appearance.

The league and players union said Price, 34, will be away from the team while he takes part in the program. The union did not specify why he entered the program, but Price’s wife, Angela, cited mental health as a reason in an Instagram post showing Price and their three children.

“Part of the privilege of being in the position our family is in, is that we also get a public platform to show how there is and can be a path for anyone who is struggling,” she wrote. “No matter what is on the line, we hope we can communicate the importance of putting your mental health first not just by saying it, but by showing up and doing the work to get better. Carey’s showing up for himself and our family and making the best possible decision for us.”

Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin said Price would be in the program for at least 30 days. He said the news caught him by surprise, but he encouraged everyone to seek help when needed.

“Because your hockey career lasts so many years, but you have the rest of your life — your kids, your family — that’s the most important thing,” he said.

The issue of mental health in sports has grown in prominence in the past year, with tennis star Naomi Osaka and Olympic champion gymnast Simone Biles among those both citing it as the reason they stepped away from certain competitions or events.

Avalanche

Coach Jared Bednar tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the next two preseason games against the Dallas Stars. Assistant coaches Ray Bennett and Nolan Pratt will take his place on the bench. The Avalanche played Thursday night in Dallas and play host Saturday to the Stars. Colorado opens the regular season Wednesday against Chicago.