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Brendan Gallagher speaks about possibly joining Vancouver Canucks

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Jun 25 2026, 8:31 pm
Brendan Gallagher speaks about possibly joining Vancouver Canucks
David Kirouac/Imagn Images

If the opportunity presents itself, it sounds as though Brendan Gallagher is very open to playing for the Vancouver Canucks.

The veteran forward still has one more year remaining on his contract, which carries a $6.5-million cap hit. Despite his contract status, the 34-year-old made it crystal clear his time with the Montreal Canadiens was coming to an end following a playoff run where he sat as a healthy scratch in all but three games.

Ever since Gallagher made his comments at his end-of-season media availability, one team that has been heavily linked to the agitating winger is the Canucks. Gallagher’s agent, Gerry Johansson, confirmed the two sides have talked, and though there’s still work to be done, it appears as though there could be a homecoming of sorts for the Tsawwassen native.

“There’s so much stuff that goes into that that would be good for me and my family,” Gallagher said to CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal and Don Taylor. “Obviously, my wife is pregnant right now, by the time next season starts, we’re going to have two little ones under two, so having family around is something that I have to think about when making this decision.”

It isn’t just the family aspect that excites Gallagher, either. Having grown up in Vancouver, he knows just how passionate the fan base is about their hockey.

“I grew up in Vancouver, I know what that city is like when the team is winning and doing well,” Gallagher said. “It’s such a special place, and for the majority of the last couple decades that team has been a very good team. I know how special of a city it is.”

Gallagher, just as Johansson said weeks ago, did make it clear that he wants to go to a team that is excited to bring him on board. It remains to be seen whether the Canucks are that team.

“There’s so much that goes into it. You can be interested, but you need someone to be interested back. For me, it’s just waiting to see where the next opportunity is and where that may land.”

Gallagher has spent his entire 911-game career with the Canadiens, during which time he’s racked up 246 goals and 487 points. After scoring 21 goals in 2024-25, his offence dropped off a cliff in 2025-26, as he managed only seven goals and 23 points in 77 contests.

While he does appear to be aging, a change in scenery could spark Gallagher to get back to the level of player he was in his prime years with the Canadiens. On top of that, he provides plenty of leadership, having served as an assistant captain with the Habs for the last 11 seasons.

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