The 2024 year was supposed to be different for the Montreal Canadiens. They believed their rebuild was starting to end, and they wondered whether 2024 would end with them looking ahead to a run at the playoffs in 2025. The year ended with a string of wins that elevated them to sixth place in the Atlantic Division, but they are still seven points behind in a playoff race. This series will examine how each player performed over the 2024 calendar year. Next up is the longest-serving forward, Brendan Gallagher.
One of the most significant roadblocks to Gallagher returning to his past forms was his ability to stay healthy, which he did in 2024. Gallagher played every game so far this season and missed just five in 2023-24, which gives him 76 games in the calendar year. He has 20 goals and 15 assists over the 76 games, which would be his highest total since 2019-2020 if considering it an entire season. Gallagher is also on pace for 39 points this season, which would be given the same designation.
Gallagher has taken on a different role in 2024 as the elder statesman. He barely plays over 14 minutes per game and doesn't play a significant role in the powerplay. He must continue playing at that level with two more years on his contract, but no one can complain about Gallagher's form in 2024. It wasn't the best year of his career, but it has been his best in a long time.
Brendan Gallagher's 2024 Highlights
Gallagher hasn't had too many breakout offensive games in the second half of 2024, but you can always count on him to show up against the Boston Bruins. He started the year well when he scored two goals in the season's second game against the Canadiens' rivals.
After the Bruins have a power play goal waved off, the Canadiens get one.
— Ian Steele (@RealianSteele6) October 10, 2024
Brendan Gallagher scores with Nikita Zadorov in the box.
1-0 Habs. @abc6 #nhlbruins pic.twitter.com/ujXUjSFuxQ
Gallagher also ended the 2023-24 season on a hot streak, registering five goals and three assists over the final five games. He had two goals and an assist against the Philadelphia Flyers on April 9 and three goals and an assist in the home-and-home series against the Detroit Red Wings on April 15 and 16.