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Brendan Gallagher seems open to joining Vancouver Canucks

Rob Williams
Rob Williams
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Jun 1 2026, 6:04 pm
Brendan Gallagher seems open to joining Vancouver Canucks
David Kirouac/Imagn Images

Brendan Gallagher’s time with the Montreal Canadiens has come to an end.

The 34-year-old right winger confirmed on Monday what we suspected last week, that he’ll be playing for a new team next season.

After 14 seasons with the Habs, Gallagher was speaking about Montreal in the past tense with reporters on Monday.

“So thankful and so fortunate to have spent as much time as I have here,” Gallagher said. “It’s not lost on me on how special it was to call the Bell Centre home… It’s pretty clear I’ll be moving on here.”

Gallagher was a healthy scratch for all but three playoff games, playing under seven minutes in three straight games against Tampa Bay in the first round. He didn’t see the ice at all after that, not even during the Eastern Conference Final when the Canadiens looked like they ran out of gas against the Carolina Hurricanes.

On Monday, Gallagher was clear that he feels his gas tank hasn’t run dry yet.

“It’s hard. I felt like I could have helped. Unfortunately, I just didn’t get that opportunity. I thought the guys, they battled and did everything they possibly could. I just felt like had given the opportunity i could have helped them out.”

“I’m going to keep playing. There’s more in the tank. Obviously, I would have loved for it to be here. It’s just one of those situations where I guess my time has come, and they’ve moved on. For me as a player, I’m looking forward to kind of getting back to what I do.”

Gallagher saw his production and ice time dip during the regular season, as he scored just 23 points (7-16-23) in 77 games. The 5-foot-9 winger is just one year removed from scoring 21 goals and 38 points, though.

Gallagher open to Vancouver homecoming

brendan gallagher vancouver giants

Gallagher played four seasons with the Vancouver Giants, from 2008 to 2012 (@WHLGiants/X)

Gallagher is about to enter the final year of a contract that carries a $6.5-million cap hit, which will severely limit the number of suitors for his services. He’s only owed $4 million in real dollars, though, which makes him more palatable to a team that won’t be up against the cap, like the Vancouver Canucks.

The Canucks appear to be a natural fit for Gallagher, given that the team is rebuilding and in need of veteran leadership. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better culture carrier than Gallagher. His teammates love him, with many of them speaking very highly of the veteran leader again on locker clean-out day in Montreal.

Gallagher was asked if he’d welcome going “home” by a Montreal reporter. A former Vancouver Giants player who grew up in Tsawwassen, Gallagher seemed open to the idea of joining the Canucks.

“I haven’t had an opportunity with my agent to sit down [and talk about the future]… I’ll sit down with my wife and figure out what’s best for our family. And then you go forward.

“But certainly, Vancouver would be a great place.”

Gallagher has a modified no-trade clause in his contract, so he has some control over the situation. He’s looking for a chance to prove he can still play.

“I can keep playing. Honestly, the way I feel, I just know it’s not done. You never know how many years, but I have plenty more to give. Around here, an opportunity’s just not going to be there. So for me, I just need to find a new home [and] do what I do as a player. But there’s tons more to give.”

Gallagher’s contract probably makes him a liability more than an asset, meaning the Canadiens might also need to give up a draft pick to move him. The NHL financial landscape has changed in recent years, though, with the salary cap going up, compared to years past when first-round draft picks were given up in order to clear salary.

What’s the value, negative or positive, for a contract like Gallagher’s? We may soon find out.

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