Montreal Canadiens: Grading the Brendan Gallagher extension

After a brief halt in negotiations, the Montreal Canadiens agreed to a long-term extension with forward Brendan Gallagher for six years worth $6.5 million.

As recently as earlier in the day, the Montreal Canadiens were reported to be having issues with their negotiations with Brendan Gallagher. If those issues were there, they disappeared because the Habs have announced they’ve agreed to a long-term extension with Gallagher. Gallagher was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2020-21 season.

The deal is for six years and is worth $6.5 million annually. Additionally, Pierre LeBrun of TSN is reporting there is a full no-movement clause and partial no-trade clause in the deal. The deal will kick in after the 2020-21 season.

This deal is certainly a shocker. Who would have thought things would be ironed out between both parties so quickly? There’s never a dull moment with Marc Bergevin as your general manager. Let’s grade the signing.

Grading The Signing

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Re-signing Gallagher was a must for the Canadiens. Shea Weber‘s their captain, but Brendan’s their “Little Engine That Could”. The Habs tend to go as he does. When Gallagher’s firing on all cylinders, the Canadiens tend to play well. And when he doesn’t, they usually struggle. Gallagher has provided countless sparks over the years.

Despite his size, he’s not afraid to play physical, nor is he afraid to play around the crease. He’s one of the best players at putting in rebounds in the league. Gallagher’s also one of the most impressive 5v5 play drivers of offense and he’s also an above-average finisher, though he constantly underperforms his expected goals.

If there’s one concern I have about his contract, it’s the term. Six years is a huge investment in someone who will be at least 29 years old when it starts. Gallagher’s a fearless player who isn’t afraid to take punishment. He’s going to have to adjust his playing style eventually because his body will wear down with age. It’s not a matter of if it happens – it’s when it will happen.

That said, Gallagher should be fine for the next four years, at least. Somehow, I’d argue he’s still underpaid. He’s one of the NHL’s premier wings, yet he’s only getting $6.5 million a year. No matter how you slice it, that’s a bargain.