Canadiens Bolster Defense with Acquisition of Gannon Laroque
Brossard, QC – In a move announced Friday by general Manager Kent Hughes, the Montreal canadiens have acquired defenseman Gannon Laroque from the San Jose Sharks. In exchange, the Canadiens sent goaltender Carey Price and a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft to San jose.
Laroque, a 22-year-old right-handed defenseman, spent the 2023-2024 season split between the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League and the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL. He appeared in nine games for the Barracuda, registering two points (one goal and one assist), and participated in nine contests with the Thunder. Laroque was originally selected by the Sharks in the fourth round (103rd overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft.The trade marks a notable shift for Price, a Canadiens legend who has spent his entire 712-game NHL career with Montreal. He boasts a record of 361-261-79, a .917 save percentage, and a 2.51 goals-against average, along with 49 shutouts. Price holds the Canadiens franchise records for both games played and wins by a goaltender. Currently, his 361 wins place him 23rd in NHL history, while his 712 games played rank 29th all-time.Price’s accolades include winning the Vézina, William M. Jennings, Ted Lindsay, and Hart Trophies in 2014-2015, following a season where he went 44-16-6 with a 1.96 goals-against average and a.933 save percentage. He also received the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2021-2022.
Internationally,Price secured gold medals with Team Canada at the 2007 World Junior Championship,the 2014 Olympic Winter Games,and the 2016 world Cup of Hockey. Drafted fifth overall by the Canadiens in 2005, Price also won the Calder Cup with the Hamilton bulldogs in 2007.
