Gallagher has added more to the team this season.
Brendan Gallagher is a great NHL success story. He’s a smaller guy playing a tough, greasy brand of hockey and at the height of his Canadiens’ career, he has multiple 30-goal seasons to his credit but father time is undefeated and he’s been slowing down.
Is he overpaid, sure, there is no arguing that and his trade value is still non-existent because he’s not a UFA until 2027. So the team has to get the most they can out of him and I think that’s happening.
The best ability is availability and he’s been playing and not missing as many games as he had before. He’s on pace to play every game but that’s probably not going to happen. It’s still impressive.
Offensively, he’s shooting a bit less but he’s on pace for 18 goals and 15 assists. That’s more than last season. I’m not expecting any more offensively. I think Gallagher could improve on his giveaway/takeaway ratio. That’s something that could benefit the team down the stretch.
Lately, Gallagher only has three points in January and that’s not going to cut it. I’m sure consistency is on his mind and consistency is going to help the team. He knows what it takes to be good in the latter part of the season and the Four Nations break will be vital for him to recharge his battery.
The Canadiens probably didn’t think they would be in the playoff race and that changes everything. So far, management has reacted well and the players have to do their part too.