Carey Price's NHL return may be put on hold by a flu virus.

The Montreal Canadiens announced Wednesday that Price will not travel with the team to Buffalo for their season opener against the Sabres on Thursday.

Al Montoya will get the start against the Sabres whether or not Price joins the team, RDS has confirmed. 

Price missed 70 games last season due to a knee injury. The 29-year-old won the Vezina and Hart Memorial trophies in 2014-15.

Price captured the gold medal with Team Canada at the World Cup of Hockey in September, posting a perfect 5-0 record. His goals against average sat at 1.40 at the tournament, while he posted a save percentage of .957.

The Canadiens recalled Charlie Lindgren from the AHL to back up Montoya on Thursday.

Mike Condon, who started 51 games in place of Price last season, was claimed on waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.