Montreal Canadiens begin Brendan Gallagher trade process as veteran forward enters final NHL contract year

Gallagher has played his entire NHL career with Montreal and enters the final year of his current deal. The move follows the Canadiens reaching the Eastern Conference Final and comes as they continue to look for ways to improve their roster and salary-cap flexibility.The Montreal Canadiens have made the first step toward a possible parting with long-time forward Brendan Gallagher. The veteran is entering the final year of his deal, and it is being reported that his agent has now been given the green light to help facilitate a trade. The move would give the Canadiens some extra flexibility as the franchise positions itself for another Stanley Cup run.The Montreal Canadiens have granted permission to Brendan Gallagher’s agent to assist in a trade. The latest development shows both sides are open to options this offseason. Gallagher has a $6.5 million cap hit and does have trade protection, so any trade would have to get the thumbs-up from both the player and the organization.The Montreal playoff run came to an end in the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes, and attention turned quickly to off-season roster decisions. One of the biggest storylines surrounding the club was Gallagher’s future.Brendan Gallagher will be in the final year of his six-year extension signed in 2020. The Canadiens could clear some valuable salary-cap space by shedding the veteran winger. General manager Kent Hughes and the front office are expected to look for upgrades as the organization looks to build on its deep postseason run.Gallagher appeared in 77 regular-season games in 2025-26. He had seven goals and 16 assists before scoring a goal in three playoff games.Brendan Gallagher has been one of the faces of the Montreal Canadiens for over a decade. Gallagher was drafted 147th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft and debuted during the 2012-13 season, becoming the franchise’s longest-tenured player.Wherever he ends up, whether it’s staying in Montreal or starting a new chapter somewhere else, Gallagher’s impact on the organization has made him one of the most recognisable players of his era. The next few weeks could determine if another major offseason move is in the offing for the Canadiens.