Brendan Gallagher leaving the Montreal Canadiens
The 34-year-old forward, emotional during exit interview, says his time in Montreal is done after 16+ years and over 900 games.
Brendan Gallagher's tenure with the Montreal Canadiens is over. The 34-year-old told reporters Monday during the team's end-of-season media availability that he will be moving on.
"I'm so, so thankful and so fortunate to have spent as much time as I have here," Gallagher said, fighting back tears. "The fans, right from day one, it's been truly a privilege to play in front of them... There's been ups and downs, but I don't have a single regret. It's pretty clear I'll be, kind of moving on here."
The Edmonton native was drafted by Montreal in 2010 and played over 900 games wearing the bleu, blanc, et rouge. He became the heart of the franchise and one of the city's most beloved players.
But this season marked a turning point. Gallagher was a healthy scratch late in the regular season for the first time in his career. When the Canadiens advanced to the Eastern Conference Final, he suited up for just three of 19 playoff games, seeing minimal ice time.
"I felt like I could have helped," he said of his limited postseason role. "I felt like, given the opportunity, I could have helped them out."
Gallagher has one year remaining on a six-year deal. He is likely to be traded or have his contract bought out over the offseason as the team enters a rebuild phase.