- David Pagnotta says the Canadiens want to trade Brendan Gallagher rather than buy him out
- Vancouver keeps coming up as a fit, with Jake DeBrusk a possible piece going the other way
- Read below for what the insider said and where things stand
Brendan Gallagher’s exit from Montreal is coming, but it probably won’t be a buyout.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period was asked on Daily Faceoff Live how the Canadiens plan to handle the veteran winger this summer. He said the front office wants to find a trade first.
“I think they’re going to explore moving him first, and if that’s an avenue that they can pursue and go in that direction, I think they’d rather do that than go the buyout route. It’s an option, but I don’t think they want to execute it.”
Catch the full segment on Daily Faceoff Live:
Gallagher has one year left on his deal at $6.5 million. The 34-year-old fought back tears at locker cleanout while telling reporters it’s pretty clear he’ll be moving on after parts of 14 seasons and 911 regular-season games in Montreal.
Pagnotta pointed to Vancouver as a logical landing spot. The Canucks are rebuilding, and he floated Jake DeBrusk as a piece that could head the other way since the winger wants to play for a contender.
“We know we mentioned Vancouver, and that would be a good spot for him. We’ll see if the Canucks reciprocate in terms of interest.”
A trade over a buyout isn’t a new idea in Montreal. Nicolas Cloutier of TVA Sports reported earlier this month that Gallagher’s contract is easier to move than most people think:
The buyout window opens June 15 or 48 hours after the Stanley Cup Final ends, whichever comes later. Kent Hughes has until June 30 to make that call if no trade comes together.
His ice time hit a career low this season, and he got into just three games during the Habs’ run to the East Final, where they fell to Carolina in five.
Wherever Gallagher lands, Montreal’s summer won’t stop there. Pagnotta said the Canadiens also want a second-line center and another big winger for the top six.
