The Montreal Canadiens have granted Brendan Gallagher's agent, Gerry Johannson, permission to speak with other teams to help facilitate a trade involving the veteran winger. The news was first reported by Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK's Donnie and Dhali on Wednesday.
Trade Talks Underway
Johannson confirmed via text message that getting a deal completed is a priority, though he could not provide a specific timeline. The Canadiens' decision opens the door for Gallagher to potentially join a new team for the upcoming season.
Vancouver Canucks as a Likely Destination
The Vancouver Canucks are considered an obvious possible destination for Gallagher, who turns 34 this year. The Canucks are in a rebuilding phase and could benefit from Gallagher's veteran leadership and relentless work ethic. Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 185 pounds, Gallagher has played over 900 NHL regular-season games, largely due to his hustle and determination. He has served as an alternate captain for the Canadiens for the past 11 seasons.
Gallagher's ties to British Columbia are strong. He grew up in Delta, starred with the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League, and spends much of his summers in the Lower Mainland. His father, Ian, heads the Delta Hockey Academy, and other family members remain in the area.
In his year-end media availability earlier this week, Gallagher acknowledged that it was "pretty clear I'll be moving on here" after appearing in only three of Montreal's 19 playoff games this season. With one season remaining on a six-year contract carrying a cap hit of $6.5 million, Gallagher expressed interest in joining the Canucks, stating, "Certainly, Vancouver would be a great place."
Gallagher's Recent Performance
Gallagher played 77 games in the regular season for Montreal this year, recording seven goals and 23 points while averaging 12 minutes and 21 seconds of ice time. He was a healthy scratch for the first time in his career on March 14 against the San Jose Sharks. In the 2024-25 season, he played all 82 games, averaging 13:55 of ice time and tallying 21 goals and 38 points.
Despite his reduced role, Gallagher remains confident in his abilities. "The way I feel, I know it's not done," he said. "I have plenty more to give. I just feel like around here the opportunity is not going to be there. I need to find a new home and do what I do as a player."
Historical Context
Gallagher is the Vancouver Giants' all-time leader in goals (136) and points (280). He was selected by the Canadiens in the fifth round (No. 147 overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft. Among that draft class, he ranks 10th in goals (246) and 11th in games played (911). Born in Edmonton, Gallagher moved to British Columbia with his family at age 12 when his father became the Giants' strength and conditioning coach.
As the trade market develops, Gallagher's future appears to be away from Montreal, with Vancouver emerging as a strong candidate to acquire the gritty forward.
