Photo credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images
Brendan Gallagher, traded by the Montreal Canadiens in June, is already being criticized by Vancouver Canucks fans after only four games.
We find it really unfortunate because we love Gallagher. But he’s clearly having trouble keeping up with the pace of today’s NHL, and it’s tough to read.
The 34-year-old veteran has no points since the start of the season, with a -1 rating.
His role is also very limited. He’s playing on the fourth line and, in the last game, his ice time was just 7:34.
The Canadiens sent him to the Canucks in exchange for future considerations, retaining 50% of his salary to help facilitate the trade.
Brendan Gallagher’s limited role in Vancouver could put his lineup spot at risk
In Vancouver, some people now want to see him in the press box or even placed on waivers.
That’s harsh, no question.
The Canucks, who are beginning a rebuild, are 2-2-0 and allowing 4.5 goals per game. It’s not an easy situation for a player expected to bring energy.
He’ll turn 35 in May, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Gally hang up his skates. Unfortunately.
Martin St-Louis wasn’t making a bad assessment of his player, then, when he took him out of the lineup.
If the trend continues, his ice time could remain minimal in Vancouver.
The Canadiens will face the Canucks on February 1 in Vancouver, then again on March 6 in Montreal. By then, we’ll know whether the veteran has found his stride again.
In the meantime, the Canucks will be in Carolina tomorrow night at 7 p.m., and his ice time will be worth watching.
See you March 6 at the Bell Centre.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Canucks fans are already turning on Brendan Gallagher after just four games
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