Stu Cowan Suggests Brendan Gallagher's Future in Montreal in Doubt as Canadiens Shift Focus
It's no surprise to anyone when saying that Brendan Gallagher has been one of the iconic faces of the Montreal Canadiens for more than a decade.
However, according to several observers, including analyst Stu Cowan, his love affair with the Tricolore could soon come to an end.
In his most recent mailbag published by the Montreal Gazette, Cowan responded to a fan's question asking what will happen with Gallagher and Josh Anderson when their contracts expire in two years.
Here is his answer:
"Gallagher and Anderson actually have two seasons remaining on their contracts with salary-cap hits of US$6.5 million and US$5.5 million, respectively. Gallagher will be 35 when his contract expires and I can't see the Canadiens keeping him.
Anderson will be 33 when his contract expires and, depending on how he plays the next two seasons, the Canadiens might have interest in keeping him on a short-term deal since there aren't a lot of power forwards like him in the NHL."
- Stu Cowan
Anderson will be 33 when his contract expires and, depending on how he plays the next two seasons, the Canadiens might have interest in keeping him on a short-term deal since there aren't a lot of power forwards like him in the NHL."
- Stu Cowan
One thing is certain: this kind of answer will stir conversation.
The Montreal Canadiens Look to the Future, and Gallagher May No Longer Be Part of It
As DansLesCoulisses points out, the Canadiens have truly turned the corner in their rebuild.
The young prospects that were talked about a few years ago have now mostly matured, and the Habs can genuinely compete with other teams starting now.
Players like Lane Hutson, Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky already hold significant roles, while others like Ivan Demidov or Michael Hage are knocking on the door.
At this pace, in 2-3 years, it will be difficult to imagine a 35-year-old veteran holding a regular role, especially with a salary of $6.5 million per season.
Personally, I believe Gallagher deserves to leave on a high note for what he has represented for the club.
I must say that, despite everything, I would like Gallagher to finish his career in Montreal, if only for all that he has given to this team. He has left a bigger mark on the team than anyone else over the past 10 years.
But business is business; at 35, the Montreal Canadiens will likely be ready to turn the page.
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