Gallagher joins Canucks in trade
The Vancouver Canucks have acquired forward Brendan Gallagher from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for future considerations. The trade was announced on Monday, bringing the 34-year-old forward to a team with which he has personal ties to the Lower Mainland.
Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating that Gallagher is a quality individual and a very good hockey player. Johnson highlighted Gallagher’s competitive spirit and leadership qualities, noting that bringing in veterans like him will help establish a standard for younger players to emulate. The general manager also emphasized Gallagher’s connection to the region and his desire to play for the Canucks, acknowledging the passionate and knowledgeable hockey market in Vancouver. This move is considered an important acquisition for the Vancouver hockey club.
Gallagher has one season remaining on a six-year contract valued at $39 million, which he originally signed with Montreal on October 14, 2020. This contract carries an average annual value of $6.5 million. Following the upcoming season, Gallagher is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent.
Canadiens retain salary, express gratitude
As part of the trade agreement, the Canadiens will retain 50 per cent of Gallagher’s salary. In return, they will receive future considerations from the Canucks. Gallagher holds a modified no-trade clause, which allowed him some input on his destination.
Gallagher himself commented on the move, telling reporters that joining his hometown Canucks was something he had hoped for, describing it as the “worst-kept secret.” Despite his preference to remain in Montreal for his entire career, he indicated he would welcome a return to Vancouver if the opportunity arose.
Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes issued a statement expressing the organization’s sincere gratitude to Gallagher for his contributions over an impressive 14-season career in Montreal. Hughes noted that Gallagher will always hold a special place in the hearts of Canadiens fans, praising his determination, passion, and courage in defending the team’s colours. Hughes characterized Gallagher as a warrior who consistently prioritized the team’s success over individual achievements and conducted himself as a true Montreal Canadian both on the ice and within the community.
Gallagher was selected by Montreal 147th overall in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL Draft. He has spent the majority of his adult life with the Canadiens, participating in 911 regular-season games and 79 playoff games. Throughout his 14 seasons, he recorded 246 goals and 241 assists. While not always the most prolific scorer, Gallagher was recognized for his grit, attitude, and leadership within the Canadiens‘ locker room.
His former teammate, Cole Caufield, described Gallagher as one of the most special humans and teammates he had ever played with. Gallagher’s final appearance for Montreal occurred on May 3 in Game 7 of the 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. Gallagher stated on Monday that he had nothing negative to say about the Montreal Canadiens, calling his 14 seasons an “absolute pleasure” and expressing excitement for his next chapter.
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Source: nhl.com
Ethan Brule is a Senior Hockey Writer at CasinoNews. He covered the NHL for a national Canadian outlet. He focuses on the NHL, the Maple Leafs and Team Canada and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Media from Toronto Metropolitan University. Now based in Toronto, he plays beer-league hockey and follows the junior ranks. “Hockey in Canada is never only about the score.”
