Overview
- Gallagher’s agent told reporters Monday that the Vancouver Canucks have “initially expressed interest” in the 34-year-old forward, but he cautioned that there are many moving parts and no deal is done.
- Montreal has opened a formal trade process for Gallagher and plans to pursue trades before considering a contract buyout as a fallback to create salary-cap flexibility.
- Gallagher spent 14 seasons and 911 regular-season games with the Canadiens and signaled in an emotional exit meeting that he expects to leave this summer.
- Any trade will be complicated by Gallagher’s $6.5 million cap hit for 2026–27 and declining playoff role, meaning Montreal may need to retain salary, attach draft picks, or add other assets to make a deal work.
- A move to Vancouver is seen as a logical fit because Gallagher has deep B.C. ties, family in the province, and veteran leadership the Canucks could use, though sources say talks are preliminary and timing will hinge on draft, free agency, and cap planning.