Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
If he had a strong 2024-2025 season, Brendan Gallagher is struggling early in this campaign.
A delicate discussion needs to take place between veteran Brendan Gallagher and the Montreal Canadiens’ management team
What makes this situation delicate-beyond his 6.5 M$ per-year contract that runs until the end of next season-is that the Canadiens’ number 11 is highly respected in the locker room. He gives everything he has in practices and games, but it’s obvious: the end is approaching.
Tony Marinaro and Éric Bélanger recently discussed Gallagher’s case on a recent edition of the Sick Podcast. They came to the conclusion that the veteran can no longer play every game.
“You’re going to the stands today and you’re not playing, for your own good…”
That is the message Martin St-Louis needs to deliver to Brendan Gallagher, according to them.
They believe the Canadiens should start sparing him and giving him days off, especially in back-to-backs within 24 hours.
“According to Tony Marinaro and Éric Bélanger, the time has come for the Habs coaches to have a conversation with Brendan Gallagher.
For his sake and for the team’s, he should be spared, among other things, from back-to-back games involving time-zone travel.” – Pat Bouchard
Gallagher will never ask for that kind of privilege or break. It’s not in his nature to ask for pity, especially for someone who has often played through serious injuries. That’s why Kent Hughes, Jeff Gorton, and Martin St-Louis will need to sit down with him and open the door themselves to the possibility of taking nights off.
Considering the team will play many games between now and Christmas, and that the post-holiday schedule will be just as heavy, it’s shaping up to be a major challenge for number 11.
Whatever solution the Canadiens choose, it will certainly be handled with respect. Knowing how much respect the GM has for his players-especially his veterans-I expect nothing less.
We all remember the warrior Gallagher was, especially in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Analysts suggest the Canadiens may need to rethink Brendan Gallagher’s role
Should the Montreal Canadiens give Brendan Gallagher a break?