As per Frank Seravalli of TSN, while talking on Insider Trading, he notes that the Vancouver Canucks are going to pay close attention to how the situation unfolds between the Montreal Canadiens and forward Brendan Gallagher. After news contract talks broke down between Gallagher’s agent and GM Marc Bergevin, the Habs might be considering a trade.
Related: Contract Talks Between Canadiens and Gallagher Break Down
If so, the Canucks want in, according to Seravalli. He says they would be among teams interested in the small, but feisty forward if/when he hits the trade block. He adds that Vancouver is in the market for a winger and have the ability to move out some contracts. He also says that Canucks GM Jim Benning is looking to make at least one more big splash since the team has been relatively quiet in free agency.
The Canucks will have competition if Gallagher shakes loose. Should the Canadiens actually consider trading the forward, there will be a lineup of interested teams. At worst, he’s a $3.75 million rental because he’s got one season left on his current contract. At best, you grab a 28-year-old forward who has multiple 30-goal seasons on his resume and could be a long-term core roster player if you can re-sign him.
What Is Gallagher Worth?
Where things get a bit tricky are trying to come up with the best comparables for Gallagher, especially in a flat cap NHL. His totals are a lot like Chris Kreider, who signed a 7-year, $6.5 million AAV deal back in February, but a lot has changed in the NHL since then. Then again, Josh Anderson just signed with the Canadiens for $5.5 million and seven seasons.
No doubt, he’s a great player. But, there’s also a question his durability and how long he can play at the pace he keeps for the size he is. It might not be a factor for him long-term, but that doesn’t mean teams won’t be a bit concerned. They probably shouldn’t be… he’s played four complete seasons as an NHLer since becoming a regular in 2013-14.
Next: NHL Insider Not Convinced Hall’s First Choice Was Sabres in Free Agency
