Gallagher says his time in Montreal is up — The Fourth Period
Brendan Gallagher’s time with the Montreal Canadiens appears to be coming to an end.
The 14-year NHL veteran has played his entire career with the Canadiens and has one year remaining on his contract, which comes with a $6.5 million salary cap hit and a six-team no-trade list.
During his end-of-season exit interviews with the media, Gallagher expressed how much it has meant to him to play for the Canadiens and how disappointed he was not getting a chance to play in the Eastern Conference Final.
“First and foremost, so thankful and so fortunate to have spent as much time as I have here,” he said. “The fans, right from Day 1, it’s been truly a privilege to play in front of them. It’s an opportunity not a lot of players get in this league. I’ve got to do it for 14 years now. It’s not lost on me how special it was to call the Bell Centre home. The very first time I set foot in this organization, the management, coaches, teammates I’ve had along the years, there’s been ups and downs, but I don’t have a single regret.
“It’s pretty clear I’ll be moving on here. But I’m incredibly, incredibly… I’m just very fortunate.”
Gallagher, 34, has skated in 911 career NHL regular-season games with the Canadiens since being drafted by them in the fifth-round, 147th overall, of the 2010 NHL Draft. He has tallied 246 goals and 241 assists for 487 points, along with 594 penalty minutes, in that span.
Gallagher said he has “plenty more to give” and the Canadiens will explore trading Gallagher this off-season. He indicated he is “looking forward to getting back to doing what I do” with another club. He also mentioned if he had the opportunity to play for the Vancouver Canucks, he would welcome it.
“That’s an opportunity that’s there. I haven’t had an opportunity really with my agent to sit (and talk), I’m sure there will be a couple places. I’ll sit down with my wife and figure out what’s best for our family and then you go forward,” he said. “But certainly, Vancouver would be a great place.”
