Due to the official absence of National Hockey League players at the Beijing Olympics, Doug Armstrong relinquished his role as Team Canada's general manager, who apparently prefers to focus on his GM responsibilities with the St. Louis Blues.
All this being ancient history, Armstrong can now afford to reveal crispy information about the decision-making process that was put in place. Many viewed the goaltender position as the biggest dilemma facing the Canadian team, but as Armstrong himself revealed to the renowned Pierre LeBrun, it was not.
In fact, the Team Canada staff had unveiled a list of six candidates to defend the cage of the national team: Carey Price, Marc-Andre Fleury, Darcy Kuemper, Jordan Binnington, Carter Hart and Mackenzie Blackwood. However, it was apparently already decided that Carey Price was the number one caretaker and that the only question mark that could compromise this fact was Price's state of health.
"Personally, I had a good conversation with him and it was more than clear: Carey, take your time. We're not going anywhere. What you have accomplished over the course of your career and what you have accomplished in the playoffs indicates that you are absolutely the trusted man of Hockey Canada, without a doubt. And we will give you all the time you need.»
In other words, it was up to Price himself. If he wanted to be the starting goalkeeper of the Canadian team and his body allowed him to be, he was the chosen one. Therefore, the dilemma would have been to choose who would be his two backups, among the other five names mentioned above. This is yet another proof that Price's aura has still not dissipated and that he is still respected by his peers.
