Montreal Canadiens Training Camp Battle: P.A. Parenteau vs. Brendan Gallagher

The Montreal Canadiens training camp is underway, with the team taking part in three scrimmages over the past three days, and several battles for roster spots are taking place. Not only are young players looking to crack the NHL club for the first time, but plenty of NHL veterans are jostling for roles on the team.

One such battle is taking place on the coveted top line, right wing slot. Brendan Gallagher is the incumbent, and fit in well with David Desharnais and Max Pacioretty in the past, but newcomer P.A. Parenteau is making a case to take over on the top line this season.

May 22, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) tries to get into position to defend the net against Montreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher (11) during the first period in game three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Gallagher played most of last season on the first line with Desharnais and Pacioretty, and his ability to help dominate the possession game makes him a great fit on the top trio. He is a small winger at 5’8” but plays like a giant by crashing the crease and takes on all opponents, regardless of their size.

Gallagher scored 19 goals and 41 points last season, and chipped in another 11 points in 17 postseason games. He is a tenacious two way winger who already has chemistry playing on a line with Pacioretty and would be a great fit on that line once again.

Parenteau is the newest member of the Canadiens top six forward group, arriving in a June trade from the Colorado Avalanche in a deal that sent Daniel Briere to Denver. He is an offensively gifted winger who has exceptional vision, silky smooth hands, and is a great passer.

Parenteau was injured for much of last season, and scored 33 points in 55 games. During the lockout shortened season, the native of Hull, Quebec scored 43 points in just 48 games with the Avs. Parenteau reached a career high of 67 points in his last season on Long Island in 2011-12, when he was a frequent linemate of John Tavares.

Feb 3, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing P.A. Parenteau (15) scores the game tying goal on New Jersey Devils goalie Cory Schneider (35) during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Parenteau may have a hard time matching his career high without Tavares on his line, but his exceptional passing skills make him a perfect fit on a line with Pacioretty, who is the Habs top sniper and scored 39 goals in 73 games last year.

Parenteau has been skating with Pacioretty and Desharnais thus far in camp, and has looked great in the inter-squad games. He is great with the puck, and having him and Desharnais on a line with Pacioretty has led to many chances for the player who finished fourth in the NHL in goals last season.

I wouldn’t read too much into the scrimmages that have happened thus far in camp, but it will be interesting to see who the Habs trot out in the preseason games, the first of which is Tuesday.

Dec 12, 2013; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Colorado Avalanche forward P.A. Parenteau (15) scores on Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec (31) during the shootout at the MTS Center. Colorado wins 4-3 overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

I love the passing skills of Parenteau being paired up with the goal scoring ability of Pacioretty. If it were up to me I would start the year with Parenteau on the top line, since it seems like the best fit for the setup man who is always thinking pass first.

Gallagher would be great on a line with Pacioretty as well, but he is a strong two way winger who has played well throughout the lineup already in his young career. As a rookie, Gallagher’s usual center was Lars Eller, and they formed a great trio with Alex Galchenyuk. Last season, when Gallagher was on the top line with Pacioretty and Desharnais, they were the Habs best trio, and dominated many games.

When Thomas Vanek was acquired, Gallagher was moved to Tomas Plekanec’s line, and though he was used in a much more defensive role than he had been at any point in his career, he fit in very well, and continued to find ways to provide offence as well.

So, I would give Parenteau the more pure offensive role on the first line, and trust Gallagher with a more defensive role alongside either Plekanec or Eller.

Of course I am not the coach, and sometimes predicting what Michel Therrien will do is nearly impossible. We know where many players will fit in the lineup, but it will be very interesting to see who gets to play opposite of Pacioretty to begin the season.