Gallagher’s Canadiens career ends, Vancouver considered a possible destination
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Brendan Gallagher’s Canadiens career comes to emotional end after 14 seasons - Montreal Gazette
After 14 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, Brendan Gallagher‘s tenure with the team has concluded. The emotional announcement came during the team’s year-end availability in Brossard, despite one season remaining on his contract. Gallagher, 34, expressed his feelings, stating, “It’s pretty clear I’ll be kind of moving on from here.”
During his statement, Gallagher became visibly emotional, briefly stepping away from the media scrum. He later explained that he was thinking of his late mother, Della, who passed away on March 8, 2025. He acknowledged the support received from his teammates and the organization during that difficult time, calling it one of his proudest moments.
Gallagher, known for his grit and determination as a fourth-line winger, played 911 games for the Canadiens. This season, he appeared in 77 games, contributing seven goals and 16 assists. His last regular-season goal was scored on April 14 in Montreal‘s final game against Philadelphia.
Playoff Absence and Future Outlook
Despite his long career, Gallagher’s role diminished significantly during the Canadiens‘ recent playoff run. He dressed for only three of Montreal’s 19 games, and none after the opening round against Tampa Bay. He was a healthy scratch for games against Buffalo and in the Eastern Conference final against Carolina.
Gallagher expressed his desire to have contributed more during the playoffs, stating, “I felt like I could have helped. Unfortunately, I just didn’t get that opportunity.” He believed he could have rallied his teammates, especially when the team faced elimination, but the opportunity did not arise.
The Canadiens‘ playoff journey saw them win their opening game against the Hurricanes, but they ultimately fell into a 3-1 deficit after a 4-0 shutout loss at home. Despite the team’s struggles, Gallagher remained a healthy scratch, with the team eventually losing 6-1.
Gallagher, an Edmonton native, intends to continue playing hockey. He believes he can still contribute to a team, both on and off the ice, citing his leadership skills. He mentioned Vancouver as a potential destination, noting the Canucks finished last in the Pacific Division. He stated, “I’m going to keep playing. There’s more in the tank.”
Potential Move to Vancouver
The possibility of Gallagher joining the Vancouver Canucks has been a topic of discussion. The Canucks had the opportunity to draft Gallagher in 2010 but instead selected defenceman Adam Polasek. Gallagher was then picked 147th overall by Montreal.
Gallagher has strong ties to Vancouver, having played for the Vancouver Giants in the WHL, where he remains the franchise’s all-time leader in goals and points. He also spends considerable time in British Columbia during the off-season. His current contract carries an average annual value (AAV) of $6.5 million, with one year remaining.
During his media availability, Gallagher indicated that Vancouver “would be a great place” to finish his career. This suggests a potential interest in returning to what many consider his home. The Canucks‘ management team is reportedly considering ways to bring the former Giants captain to Vancouver, whether through a trade or a signing if he were to be bought out. His leadership qualities are seen as a valuable asset for the team’s locker room, benefiting both younger and more experienced players. The Canadiens are also expected to try and trade goaltender Samuel Montembeault and will not re-sign forward Patrik Laine, who becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
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