Brendan Gallagher has been traded from the Montreal Canadiens to the Vancouver Canucks for future considerations. The transaction took place on Monday.
Gallagher, a forward, has one season remaining on his current contract. He signed a six-year deal with Montreal on October 14, 2020, and is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the upcoming season. The Canadiens will retain 50 per cent of Gallagher’s salary as part of the trade agreement.
Ryan Johnson, the Canucks general manager, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition. Johnson described Gallagher as a quality individual and a very good hockey player, highlighting his competitive spirit and leadership qualities. The general manager noted that bringing in veteran players like Gallagher would help establish standards for younger players within the team. Johnson also emphasized Gallagher’s ties to the Lower Mainland and his desire to play for the Canucks, recognizing the passionate and knowledgeable hockey market in Vancouver. This move is considered an important acquisition for the Canucks hockey club.
Gallagher, who is 34, was selected by Montreal 147th overall in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL Draft. He has spent a significant portion of his adult life with the Canadiens, participating in 911 regular-season games and 79 playoff games during his tenure.
Gallagher’s Impact in Montreal
Kent Hughes, the general manager for the Canadiens, issued a statement expressing gratitude to Gallagher. Hughes thanked him for his contributions to the team over an impressive 14-season career in Montreal. The statement highlighted Gallagher’s special place in the hearts of Canadiens fans, noting his determination, passion, and inspiring courage in defending the team’s colours. Hughes described Gallagher as a warrior who consistently prioritized the team’s logo over individual success and conducted himself as a true Montreal Canadiens player both on the ice and within the community, where he made a significant impact. Hughes concluded by wishing Gallagher well in Vancouver.
While Gallagher tallied 246 goals and 241 assists across his 14 seasons, he was particularly recognized for his grit, attitude, and leadership within the Canadiens’ locker room. Cole Caufield, a teammate, referred to Gallagher as one of the most special humans and teammates he had played with.
Gallagher’s last appearance in a Canadiens uniform occurred on May 3 in Game 7 of Montreal’s first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was a healthy scratch for the remainder of the Canadiens’ playoff run, which saw them defeat the Buffalo Sabres in seven games before losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in the East Final.
The Trade Clause and Future
Gallagher possesses a modified no-trade clause, which provided him with some input regarding his destination as the Canadiens sought to manage his contract. Although he had previously expressed a desire to remain in Montreal for the entirety of his career, he had also indicated that he would welcome a return home to Vancouver if such an opportunity arose. This trade marks a significant change for Gallagher, who has spent the majority of his professional career with the Canadiens since being drafted in 2010.
The move allows Gallagher to return to an area with which he has personal ties, while the Canucks gain an experienced leader. The Canadiens, in turn, receive future considerations and offload a portion of his remaining contract. Gallagher’s contract has one season left, after which he will be eligible for unrestricted free agency.
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Source: nhl.com
