To say Montreal Canadiens General Manager Marc Bergevin has been busy so far this season would be an understatement. First it was the trading back-up goaltender Peter Budaj to give Dustin Tokarski a regular NHL back-up spot. Then came the trade for Sergei Gonchar to help out the powerplay. Moving veteran winger Rene Bourque came next. What was the next move up Bergevin’s sleeve?
Canadiens sign forward Brendan Gallagher to a six-year contract extension. DETAILS -> http://t.co/WQ7aH2dG4V #gohabsgo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 29, 2014
There’s the next domino.
A vital part of the Canadiens’ future, Gallagher was selected in the 5th round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. In his first full season in 2013-14, he tallied 19 goals and 41 points. His playoffs weren’t too shabby either, netting 11 points in 17 games.
The 22-year old Edmonton native has gotten off to a fast start this season as well, potting 12 points in 24 games. With tremendous upside coming, the term of the contract for both camps could’ve been in question. The two sides officially settled however, and the result seems pretty beneficial for both sides.
“@CanadiensMTL: Canadiens sign forward Brendan Gallagher to a six-year contract extension. http://t.co/wlh0wZegrk ” $3.75M AAV.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) November 29, 2014
He’s under club control, and it’s a safe cap hit for the organization.
Gallagher’s emergence as a 2nd line winger along with center Tomas Plekanec and winger Alex Galchenyuk has provided an edgy, pesky personality that complements the line. The scoring touch will come around for him as he matures, but for the present time, the deal fits.
The 2nd big extension from Bergevin has come to fruition. First it was PK Subban, now Brendan Gallagher. Could Gallagher’s linemate in Alex Galchenyuk be next?
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Gallagher stats and bio courtesy of hockey DB and Canadiens.nhl.com
