Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Clearly, a very difficult decision is approaching quickly for Martin St-Louis and the Montreal Canadiens, involving forward Brendan Gallagher.
The Brendan Gallagher situation is really starting to raise concerns.
For more than ten years, number 11 has been the face of courage in Montreal. He played his hockey in traffic, night after night. Today, that style is taking its toll, and it shows on the ice.
Last season brought real hope back to Canadiens fans. In 2024-2025, Gallagher scored 21 goals and added 17 assists, for 38 points.
This year, he has only 3 goals and 14 points, and the contrast is striking. Over his career, he has totaled 242 goals and 478 points, numbers that remind everyone of everything he has given.
Brendan Gallagher removed from the lineup in favor of Josh Anderson?
Over the past few days, the discussion has become public in the media landscape.
On Tony Marinaro’s podcast, Pierre McGuire said out loud what many are thinking. According to him, Martin St-Louis will need to have an honest conversation with his veteran.
The idea of seeing him miss games is coming up more and more often. This is not a punishment; it’s a lineup reality that is approaching.
When those names return, roster space automatically tightens. At that point, every decision becomes a message, even without a press conference.
“It might be time to have a hard conversation about Brendan Gallagher…
Pierre McGuire: “I think he’s going to have to start missing games”
– Sick Podcast
Gallagher is 33 years old, was drafted in the 5th round, 147th overall, and he has never been given anything for free. At 5 feet 9 and 185 pounds, he built his career by always wanting more than the other guy.
Precisely that is what makes what comes next delicate for everyone, including him. The Canadiens can respect his past without lying to themselves about the present.
Sometimes, leadership also means knowing when to ease up. And in Montreal, when the heart speaks, the scoresheet eventually answers as well… I’m really looking forward to seeing what’s next for Brendan Gallagher.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
POLL
JANVIER 13 | 1300 ANSWERS
Martin St-Louis facing an unavoidable lineup decision with Brendan Gallagher
Should Brendan Gallagher be scratched more often?
