The situation on the future of Carey Price is still as nebulous as at the end of the season.

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Currently in Buffalo, where he meets the main hopes of the next draft, Kent Hughes that he does not expect to have specific news before the opening of the free agent market.

“We spoke with Carey. We also spoke with his agent, Gerry [Johansson], and with our doctors. I think we're going to have the right time, but I can't say it will be before July 13," said the general manager of the Canadian on Tuesday.

“However, in the coming months, we will be able to determine if Carey is able to continue playing as a number 1 goalkeeper in the National League,” he continued.

Unanswered questions

Almost a month ago to the day, the main interested party seemed far from believing in this possibility.

“I don't think it's possible to play 55 or 60 games with my knee in its current state, he mentioned in his end-of-season report. So I still have questions to ask the medical staff, but luckily I will have plenty of time this summer to prepare.”

Also at the same event, the 34-year-old goaltender said he might seek a second medical opinion regarding the condition of his knee for which he had to undergo surgery last summer in New York.

Moreover, he had not closed the door to a second operation. So far, it doesn't seem like it's been done.

“He saw a specialist in Pittsburgh towards the end of the season. But beyond that, he hasn't seen any other doctors," Hughes confirmed.

An important date

In short, the situation seems to be stalling. To get answers, Price will obviously have to play games. At the very least, in preparatory matches. Unless...

"I think the only way we could get a clear picture of the situation would be to learn that he can't play," he said. Otherwise, it will be necessary to start the season and analyze how his body will react once the demands of the regular calendar return.

That said, the date of July 13 remains relatively important. Hughes called it a "more critical date than the draft."

In the event of an inability on the part of Price to return to the game, the Canadiens could place his name on the long-term injured list and, thus, obtain greater room to maneuver with the salary cap requirements set at 82.5 million. $.