After spending 14 seasons with one franchise, the Montreal Canadiens have traded their forward Brendan Gallagher, to the Vancouver Canucks. This brings a close to the career of one of the best players in the team’s history. Montreal will be retaining 50 per cent of Gallagher's salary in the final year of his contract. 

The Canadiens will be receiving future considerations in return. Shortly after the trade was announced officially, the Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) also made a post on X, thanking the player.

"The ultimate teammate and forever our warrior. Thank you for everything you've done for this city, on and off the ice, Gally, and best of luck back home in Vancouver," the post said.

This tribute resonated well among the fans because of everything Gallagher built over 14 seasons in Montreal. He was first selected by the Canadiens in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL Draft.

Gallagher then went on to play 911 regular-season games, finishing his career in Montreal as one of the franchise’s most respected leaders.

His relentless, physical play and the determination to play despite going through injuries made him a guiding figure in the Canadiens' locker room.

But this trade itself is finally set to send Gallagher home. He was born in Edmonton and raised in Delta, British Columbia. He started off playing junior hockey with the Vancouver Giants before being drafted by Montreal. 

The deal helps out both sides, as it allows the Canadiens to rebuild their roster for the next season while giving Gallagher a new opportunity closer to his family.

Fans Say Goodbye to Brendan Gallagher

Gallagher's exit has raised an outpouring of emotion from Canadiens supporters.

"you'll always be home in Montreal 🫶 thank you for everything you did for us," a fan wrote to give a tribute to Gallagher's achievements.

Many of his fans had viewed him as one of the team's best leaders, despite who was officially the captain.

"C'allagher THE REAL CAPTAIN! 👌 Thank you & all the best! 👏👏 PS: Just don't drive to hard at our goalies please, when you’ll play us, U is one of us for life 🙌 BG 🔵⚪️🔴 don't forget that when you're in the heat of the moment 🥶 🔥 crashing to 🥅."

Several other fans also discussed his ethic and him as an inspiration as a player, and supporting him in his journey to Vancouver.

"He has been my Favourite since he entered the League and gave his heart & Soul on every shift for the Habs!! What a Role model for young players to follow!!! He will be loved in Vancouver more than u can imagine!! All the Best to him and his Family!!!"

For many, it was difficult to watch Gallagher leave after so many years in Montreal, and they wished him well while expressing their appreciation for him.

"The last one… thank you for everything soldier 🫡❤️💔," one fan commented.

One heartfelt message captured the sadness of his departure: "Oh, Gally. I hope you realize how much we love you and wanted you to stay. So sad to see you go. Feel the love #11. Feel the love ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️"

These reactions are enough to show us the impact Brendan Gallagher had on the Canadiens and its fans for more than a decade.

Read more at NHL Fan Central!

Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Koushik Biswas