We’re officially in June, which means the NHL rumor mill is just about set to go into overdrive in a week and change. Among the teams set to be active in the trade market are the Vancouver Canucks, who have veterans to shop and space to absorb salary cap dumps, and the Montreal Canadiens, who were outdueled by the Carolina Hurricanes in five games in the Eastern Conference Final.
With attention turning to what Montreal general manager Kent Hughes manages to pull off in the offseason, it appears one Canadiens winger already has his sights set on landing with the Canucks this summer.
Canucks Trade Watch: Brendan Gallagher Open to Moving to Canucks
The Canadiens had their locker room cleanout interviews on Monday, June 1, and veteran winger Brendan Gallagher cut a teary-eyed figure.
“So thankful and so fortunate to have spent as much time as I have here. The fans, right from Day 1, it’s been truly a privilege to play in front of them. It’s an opportunity that not a lot of players get in this league. I’ve gotten to do it for 14 years now and it’s not lost on me how special it was to call Bell Centre home.
“There’s been ups and downs, but I don’t have a single regret. It’s pretty clear I’ll be moving on,” Gallagher said, as he fought back tears. “I’m just very fortunate.”
«Le moment est venu de passer à autre chose»
Émotif, Brendan Gallagher confirme qu’il a disputé son dernier match avec le Canadien 😢 pic.twitter.com/7YtKXsWVwa
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) June 1, 2026
When asked if heading to the Canucks would be an option, Gallagher said, “That’s an opportunity that’s there… I’ll sit down with my wife and figure out what’s best for our family and go forward, but certainly Vancouver would be a great place.”
Gallagher had the least productive season of his career this year, managing to rack up just 23 points (7-16-23) in 77 games. Contract-wise, he has one year left on his $39 million deal that carries a $6.5 million cap hit.
With the Canucks looking to rebuild their culture, Gallagher would fit seamlessly in Vancouver. However, the Canadiens would likely need to attach a sweetener to offload him.
When all is said and done, the 5-foot-9, 185-pound winger is more than likely to land with the Canucks, if only for the fact that it makes perfect sense for all three parties involved.
Gallagher, of course, has roots in Vancouver, having played junior hockey there with the Vancouver Giants. While he was born in Edmonton, he moved to Tsawwassen at 12 years old and reportedly still has family in town.
What’s more, his former teammate Manny Malhotra is, by all accounts, set to take charge of the Canucks, which would make for an easier transition from Montreal.
