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Brendan Gallagher‘s emotional remarks during the Montreal Canadiens’ end-of-season media availability caught the organization’s leadership off guard, according to Tony Marinaro.
It was in front of the media in Brossard that the veteran delivered a highly emotional moment.
A scene that nobody within the organization seemed to see coming.
The player’s message was clear.
Clearly, he had grown tired of being repeatedly scratched by head coach Martin St-Louis, especially in important moments, and particularly during Game 5 in Carolina.
According to Marinaro, even Gallagher’s own teammates were surprised by his comments.
And the same reaction was reportedly felt within management!
The context behind these remarks is far from insignificant.
Gallagher appeared in only 3 of the Canadiens’ 19 playoff games.
The toughest blow likely came in the Eastern Conference Final.
Why is this trade request so surprising given his attachment to the Canadiens?
Because Gallagher has embodied loyalty to Montreal ever since he was drafted in 2010.
Kent Hughes truly didn’t see Brendan Gallagher’s public comments coming
The 34-year-old forward recorded 7 goals and 16 assists in 77 games this season, while playing in a reduced role.
The team’s youth movement is working against him.
Young players are pushing hard for permanent spots in the lineup, and the room available for veterans continues to shrink.
Gallagher, meanwhile, believes he still has something left to offer.
That’s the entire point of his request: one last opportunity to prove himself in a different situation.
“Did Brendan Gallagher take everyone by surprise by announcing his departure from the Canadiens?”
– Tony Marinaro
Now it remains to be seen how Kent Hughes will handle a situation that has become both public and emotional.
When a heart-and-soul player asks for a way out himself, it puts pressure on an organization. And it turns a simple transaction into a painful page of history being turned.
After Patrik Laine, Gallagher became another Canadiens player who surprised Kent Hughes with a major statement during a press conference, and with what was essentially a trade request made in front of everyone.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Canadiens forward stuns Kent Hughes with a major public announcement
Should the Canadiens grant Brendan Gallagher’s wish to be traded?