Gallagher traded to Canucks by Canadiens for future considerations
Canucks acquire veteran forward
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 veteran player to the West Coast. Gallagher, who is 34, has one season remaining on his current contract, which carries an average annual value of $6.5 million. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent after the upcoming season.
Ryan Johnson, the general manager for the Canucks, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition. He described Gallagher as a “quality individual and a very good hockey player,” highlighting his competitive spirit and leadership by example. Johnson emphasized that bringing in experienced players like Gallagher helps establish a standard for younger team members. The general manager also noted Gallagher’s existing connections to the Lower Mainland 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’s long tenure with Canadiens
The Canadiens will retain 50 percent of Gallagher’s salary as part of the trade agreement. Gallagher’s contract, a six-year deal worth $39 million, was signed on October 14, 2020. He was originally selected by Montreal as the 147th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL Draft.
Gallagher has spent a significant portion of his professional career with the Canadiens, participating in 911 regular-season games and 79 playoff games. His last appearance for Montreal was on May 3 in Game 7 of the team’s first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Following that game, he was a healthy scratch for the remainder of Montreal’s playoff run, which saw them defeat the Buffalo Sabres in seven games before losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in the East Final.
While not always the most prolific scorer, with 246 goals and 241 assists over his 14 seasons, Gallagher was highly regarded for his grit, attitude, and leadership within the Canadiens’ locker room. Kent Hughes, the general manager of the Canadiens, issued a statement expressing gratitude for Gallagher’s contributions over his 14-season career in Montreal. Hughes highlighted Gallagher’s determination, passion, and courage, describing him as a “warrior” who consistently prioritized the team’s success.
Impact and future considerations
Hughes further stated that Gallagher will always hold a special place in the hearts of Canadiens fans due to his conduct both on the ice and within the community, where he made a significant impact. He concluded by wishing Gallagher all the best in Vancouver.
Gallagher possesses a modified no-trade clause, which provided him with some influence over his destination as the Canadiens sought to manage his contract. Although he had previously indicated to reporters his preference to remain in Montreal for the duration of his career, he also expressed openness to returning home to Vancouver if such an opportunity arose. This trade marks a significant change for the veteran forward, who has been a fixture in Montreal for over a decade.
The acquisition of Gallagher is expected to bring a veteran presence and leadership to the Canucks roster, aligning with General Manager Ryan Johnson’s stated goal of setting a high standard for the team’s younger players. Free agency for the league is set to begin with a special broadcast on Wednesday.
Source: nhl.com
