FOXBORO, Mass. — The Montreal Canadiens won’t have injured goaltender Carey Price back in time for Friday’s NHL Winter Classic against the Boston Bruins, but another important player will make his much-anticipated return.

Right winger Brendan Gallagher confirmed after Montreal’s practice Thursday at Gillette Stadium that he will play after missing the last 17 games with a hand injury.

“Like I said from the start, I wouldn’t come back if I didn’t feel like I could help the team,” he said. “I didn’t want to come back for selfish reasons. The doctors helped me to come back and play, and now hopefully I can contribute.”

Gallagher was playing well before his injury, with 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists) in 22 games. He skated in a top-six role alongside Max Pacioretty and Tomas Plekanec during practice.

In addition to his scoring, Gallagher is very good at getting under the opponent’s skin and drawing penalties, as teammate Nathan Beaulieu pointed out.

Beaulieu says the #Habs missed Gallagher's "stupid grin on his face that makes teams just want to punch it right off." — John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) December 31, 2015

Thumbnail photo via Sergei Belski/USA TODAY Sports Images

Thumbnail photo via Oct 30, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher (11) controls the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Montreal Canadiens won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports