The Montreal Canadiens are chugging along with a younger core, making guys like Brendan Gallagher more of a mentor than leader.
It doesn't mean that Gallagher isn't important to the team anymore, because all the lessons that he has learned over his career are huge for the younger guys. But the future of the team is on the shoulders of guys like Nick Suzuki, Kaiden Guhle and Cole Caufield, to name a few. But for the young guys to be successful, learning lessons and getting advice from the veterans is like a rite of passage.
Gallagher isn't about to change his style or stop playing his heart out every shift, he has played the same way for his entire career. This style brought him to the NHL and his personable ways have endeared him to his teammates. Gallagher learned lessons from veterans when he entered the league and those will continue helping the current roster grow.
Gallagher's 2024-25 season outlook
31 points in 77 games was one of Gallagher's most productive and healthy seasons since he played 82 during the 2018-19 season. From a point perspective, Gallagher hadn't scored more than 24 points since reaching 43 in 2019-20. If healthy, Gallagher is almost a sure bet to score around the 20-goal mark and roughly the same in assists.
So, assuming he stays healthy for at least 65 games, there is a fair chance that he scores around 40-45 points. Regardless if he is 100% healthy or not, Gallagher gives it his all every single shift and seldom loses puck battles. With his setup right out front of the opposing team's net, he is sure to keep getting chances.
Now, staying healthy and avoiding getting hit by friendly fire will be the most important aspect of a successful season. Especially for Gallagher, who has suffered many injuries trying to screen the goalie. If he can play in a third-line role, where his ice time isn't too crazy, then create havoc, I'm not sure we can expect much more out of him.
Realistically, I would think 15-20 goals and around the same in assists would be a successful season if Gallagher looked back on it and April and had 35-40 points.