BROSSARD, Que. - Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price says he is optimistic he'll be able to play again this season.

Price has been out of action with a lower-body injury since Nov. 25 and has seen the Canadiens drift out of playoff contention after the team started the year with nine consecutive victories.

"Given the position we're in, it doesn't change anything," he told a news conference on Thursday. "I love playing hockey and I want to get out there as quickly as possible. . . I'm going to play regardless. I'd rather do it sooner than later.

"I'm pretty confident (about coming back this season). I'm not going to make any timelines or anything like that. But as far as the way things are progressing, it's looking pretty good."

Price, 28, said he took shots in practice on Thursday for the first time in three months and that it "felt great."

The all-star goalie was named to Canada's roster for the World Cup of Hockey on Wednesday and made it clear he is relishing the prospect of suiting up at the eight-team event, which takes place Sept. 17-Oct. 1.

"Obviously I wanted to be named to the team," he said. "It's an honour to have the opportunity to represent your country. It's going to be a fun tournament."

Price, who gave up only three goals in six games in the Sochi Olympics two years ago as Canada clinched gold, was named along with the Washington Capitals' Braden Holtby and Corey Crawford of the Chicago Blackhawks.