Brendan Gallagher set to move on from Montreal Canadiens after 14 seasons

Back in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the Montreal Canadiens selected a five-foot-nine forward from the Vancouver Giants by the name of Brendan Gallagher. An undersized but gritty forward who did his best work in front of the net and in the corners. At the time, few knew the lasting impact Gallagher would have on the Canadiens and the fanbase.

After spending all 14 seasons of his NHL career with the Canadiens and 911 games later, Gallagher is set to move on from Montreal. Gallagher told the media that after failing to get into the lineup late in the season and had only appeared in three playoff games this postseason.

Brendan Gallagher set to move on from Canadiens

At the Canadiens' end-of-season media availability, an emotional Gallagher told reporters that the time has come and that he is likely to move on from the team he has spent his entire career with.

Gallagher repeatedly expressed his gratitude for his time with the Canadiens, but then dropped a bombshell. "It's pretty clear, I'll be moving on here," Gallagher said with clear emotion.

Gallagher has been a mainstay in the Canadiens' lineup for over a decade now and quickly became a fan favorite once he made the team in 2013, thanks to his contagious personality and leadership in the locker room. Gallagher has been through it all with the Canadiens, and seeing him in a different color sweater next season will certainly take time to adjust to for Habs fans everywhere.

Even in a season in which Brendan Gallagher recorded just 7 goals and 16 assists in 77 games, the way he wore the "A" was crucial to the team's success. Gallagher grew up in the NHL as a true Montreal Canadien, learning to win as well as how to lead and support the next generation of Canadiens. No matter if he was in the lineup or not throughout the season, Gallagher showed up and supported his teammates as if they were family.

There are plenty of moments throughout the season that prove how much Gallagher meant to this group, the youngest team in the league that needed a true veteran with the right mentality to help guide the ship, whether on or off the ice. However, none expressed how important Gallagher was to the team this season more than the players' reaction during his postgame interview following Game 5 in Tampa Bay.

After 911 games, 246 goals, and 487 points, Gallagher is set to depart the Canadiens, but his impact on the team and the city will not be forgotten anytime soon. A true warrior and a true leader, replacing Gallagher on the ice is attainable in this league of the best hockey players in the world. Still, off the ice, Gallagher is irreplaceable.

Gallagher has one year remaining on his contract, meaning a trade or buyout is likely to occur this offseason. Gallagher, who grew up in Vancouver, BC, has said he is definitely open to going back home to play for the Canucks next season. But whatever comes next, the 34-year-old has made it clear he has more left in the tank and plans to play next season.

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