Vancouver, You're Getting a Good One

Just like that, the Brendan Gallagher era in Montreal is over.

After 14 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, Gallagher has officially been traded to the Vancouver Canucks, bringing an emotional end to his Habs tenure. While the move wasn't a surprise at all, it is still a difficult one for many Canadiens (like myself) fans to process.

Gallagher was a healthy scratch throughout the entire series and spent most of the playoffs watching from the press box. His only postseason action came in Games 5, 6, and 7 of the opening-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he managed to score a goal. At that point, it became increasingly clear that his time with the Canadiens was nearing its end.

For Canadiens fans who fell in love with hockey and the team during the late 2000s and early 2010s, Gallagher has been one of the defining faces of the organization. He was the heart and soul of the Canadiens for well over a decade and had unwavering commitment to the team.

was done in Montreal.

On a personal note, Brendan Gallagher ranks among my favourite Canadiens players of all time. Carey Price may still hold the top spot, but Gallagher is certainly right beside him, and there is even an argument to be made that he deserves to be number one.

I was even following Gallagher's career, which began long before he ever suited up for Montreal. Growing up in Vancouver, I watched him play for the Vancouver Giants in the WHL, where he became one of that organization's greatest players. And as the team's captain, he established himself as one of the best players in Giants history. Once I discovered he was a Canadiens prospect, I made the decision to follow his career every step of the way.

As a fifth-round draft pick, Gallagher also completely destroyed my expectations of what late-round selections could become because he was so good. He arrived in Montreal in 2013 and immediately made an impact, scoring 15 goals in 44 games and helping the team reach the 2-seed in the Eastern Conference.

Now, for the first time in over a decade, the Canadiens will enter a season without Gallagher on the roster, and as someone who considers him one of my favourite players ever to wear the red, white, and blue, there is no doubt it is going to take some getting used to.

Like I said, it was widely understood that Gallagher wasn't returning to Montreal and that his preference was to return home to Vancouver. While some may question why he would choose the Canucks after they finished as the NHL's worst team, there is still a scenario where Gallagher competes for another Stanley Cup next season.

If he starts the year well in Vancouver, he could become an attractive trade deadline target for a contender. Especially since Montreal is retaining 50 percent of his salary, Gallagher's contract becomes significantly easier for the Canucks to move if both sides decide that is the best course of action.

Regardless of how long he remains in Vancouver, the Canucks are acquiring far more than the player they will see on the ice.

For years now, the Canucks have had one of the worst locker room cultures in the NHL, and Gallagher has an opportunity to help change that. Even if he is no longer the fastest or most skilled player, he will be a great presence for this young rebuilding team.

He will be one of the hardest-working players every time he steps onto the ice. He will lead by example, mentor younger teammates, and provide a level of professionalism that every rebuilding organization needs.

I even believe when the Canucks eventually emerge from this rebuild, many of the young players will point to Gallagher as someone who helped shape the culture that led to their success. His willingness to battle through injuries, maintain a positive attitude, put the team first, and carry himself professionally both on and off the ice will leave a lasting impression on this group.

In fact, I wouldn't even be shocked if Vancouver names Gallagher captain before this season. Similar to the route the Chicago Blackhawks took when they handed the captaincy to Nick Foligno, Gallagher possesses the leadership qualities that naturally command respect. I'm not predicting it will happen, but it certainly wouldn't be a crazy decision.

For Canadiens fans, this is undoubtedly a sad day. At the same time, it feels more bittersweet than shocking because everyone knew this moment was likely coming.

As a longtime Gallagher fan, there is at least one silver lining. Living in Vancouver means I'll now have more opportunities to watch him play in person. I always said I would never own a Canucks jersey because of my feelings toward the organization, but I respect Brendan Gallagher so much that I may end up making an exception.

To Brendan Gallagher, thank you for everything.

Montreal will always be cheering for you. Wishing you and your family nothing but the very best as this next chapter begins, and I look forward to watching you suit up in Vancouver throughout the upcoming season.