Montreal Canadiens star goaltender Carey Price is expected to exit the NHL/NHLPA's player assistance program on Saturday, coach Dominique Ducharme says.

"We haven't had it confirmed yet but we're expecting him to be in town soon," Ducharme said, "but we don't have an exact date."

The 34-year-old Price underwent knee surgery on July 22 and entered the program on Oct. 7.

Started as a jointly funded effort in 1996, the player assistance program&nbsp;offers support for players and their families dealing with mental health,&nbsp; substance abuse and other issues.

Canadiens goalie Carey Price enters player assistance program as family stresses importance of mental health

The Montreal Canadiens announced Thursday that star goalie Carey Price will be away from the team while voluntarily taking part in the NHL/National Hockey League Players' Association assistance program. In an Instagram post, Price's wife noted the importance of "putting your mental health first."

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price makes a save. 

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Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price is entering the NHL/NHLPA's player assistance program, according to a joint media release issued on Thursday.

PLAYER STATS: Carey Price

The former Hart and Vezina Trophy recipient owns a 360-257-79 record with 49 shutouts, .917 save percentage and a 2.50 goals-against average in 707 NHL regular-season games (695 starts) since Montreal drafted him fifth overall in 2005.

The Canadiens (2-8-0) have struggled out of the gate following a season-opening five-game losing skid and host Detroit on Tuesday.

Canadiens' Carey Price voluntarily enters player assistance program

Star Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price has stepped away from the game to voluntarily enter a player assistance program. In an Instagram post, his wife wrote about the importance of putting one's mental health first.

The NHL announced Canadiens goaltender Carey Price as the winner of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication.

Carey Price to return 'soon' from NHL's player assistance program, head coach says

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