The Vancouver Canucks have made yet another trade this Monday, as Brendan Gallagher is heading to Vancouver. The Montreal Canadiens will receive future considerations in return. In addition, Montreal is retaining half of Gallagher’s $6.5 million salary cap hit. His contract will expire at the end of next season. Let us discuss this interesting move for both parties.
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Brendan Gallagher to @Canucks for future congratulations. @CanadiensMTL retains 50% of Gallagher’s salary.
— Renaud Lavoie (@RLavoieTVA) June 29, 2026
Brendan Gallagher Trade Details as Both Teams Benefit
Gallagher was the top forward target on our list for the Canucks, and this is a beneficial trade for the Canucks in that they are injecting some valuable leadership into their team. He is a natural fit for the Canucks, as not only does he have connections to the city of Vancouver, but he also has the leadership qualities necessary to mentor young players. The former Vancouver Giants star and right winger was a player the Habs wanted to shed as they keep improving their young squad. Players and personnel in Montreal have been very grateful for Gallagher’s professionalism and leadership, despite his dwindling minutes and lack of production this season.
In terms of cap space, having just traded Nils Hoglander to the Nashville Predators, this is essentially money in, money out, as they are taking in $3.25 million after trading away a $3 million contract. They are now just over $5 million over the salary cap floor. Is that Jake DeBrusk trade music we hear?
Canadiens Clear Cap Space Despite Retention
For Montreal, this is purely a cap dump move, while doing Gallagher a solid in sending him to a team he would like to go to. They were able to do away with his contract without giving up any assets in return, such as a draft pick from the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. They were also able to avoid buying his contract out. Good work by GM Kent Hughes for avoiding that scenario here, as both teams get something they want. The team now has $14.2 million in cap space.
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