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Three Keys to a Brendan Gallagher Resurgence in 2022-2023

By Ryan Praught

CALGARY, AB - MARCH 3: Brendan Gallagher #11 of the Montreal Canadiens in action against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on March 3, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB - MARCH 3: Brendan Gallagher #11 of the Montreal Canadiens in action against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on March 3, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – JUNE 28: Brendan Gallagher #11 of the Montreal Canadiens. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JUNE 28: Brendan Gallagher #11 of the Montreal Canadiens. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Health

It seems rather obvious to point out that a player needs to stay healthy in order to be effective doesn’t it? Well, it is obvious, but it is by far the most important aspect to Gallagher’s resurgence. In the two best years of Gallagher’s career, he scored 30+ goals in each season. But he also played in all 82 games a feat he has not been able to repeat since.

Unfortunately for Kent Hughes and the Habs, there is nothing they can do to just magically get Gallagher to play in all 82 games, but they can do things to help him be a more effective player when he does play.

Gallagher has gained the reputation of a “warrior” in Montreal. The kind of player who, no matter how hard he gets knocked down, always gets back up. The kind of player that gives it his all every single game. And, in this context, most notbaly plays through some injuries. He doesn’t want to miss time if he doesn’t have to. But maybe the Canadiens need to take a more cut and dry approach with him in order to allow him to be at his best.

With Gallagher, he’s always going to want to play if he can, but that has and will continue to take a toll. on Gallagher’s body. Perhaps, in order to get the most out of Gallagher, the Canadiens should give him nights off when the situation calls for it. Namely when he’s nursing an injury that needs time to heal. FOr instance, in a back to back situation, maybe give Gallagher the night off for the second game in order to ensure he’s as close to %100 as possible.

The Canadiens have invested a lot in Gallagher, and whether they view him as a trade chip or a part of the future with the team, they need to do whatever they can to maximize his value. So even if this seems a little unorthodox, it might be worth a shot with the Habs forward.

The bottom line is, health is of extreme importance to any resurgence of Brendan Gallagher. Last year he was battling some injuries after coming off a very short off-season. Maybe the extra long off-season will help him this year. If his health remains a problem, not much else matters.  Some of that may be within the Canadiens control, but a lot of it comes down to luck.

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