​The news for Brendan Gallagher and the Montreal Canadiens seemed inevitable, but the timing was still jolting. When the alternate captain broke down in tears during the dressing room clear-out and admitted it was obvious he would be moving on, a generation of Canadiens fans felt their hearts break. GM Kent Hughes hasn’t managed to trade the veteran yet, but it’s clear the organization will honor his wish one way or another. Owner Geoff Molson, who spoke at the City of Montreal ceremony that made Gallagher an honorary citizen, said it will be strange when he returns to play against the Canadiens next season, but he will still be celebrated as a hero by the fans.
On Day Two, the Canadiens leaned toward size in their plans. There was also an update on Gleb Pugachyov’s potential impact on the prospect pool, and general optimism about Hughes’ confidence in making a move, including how the stars might align for Marchenko.
Meanwhile, the fan response underscored Gallagher’s enduring appeal. Typically, fans who part with a player’s memorabilia are looking to cash in, but that hasn’t been the case with Gallagher. In fact, fans in Mascouche organized one last autograph session for Gallagher and his close friend Jake Evans, and the turnout was overwhelming, with more than 500 tickets sold. Among the attendees was lifelong Canadiens supporter Jean-Claude Tremblay, a noted collector who often buys items at NHL auctions. During the playoffs, Tremblay had purchased Gallagher’s last-goal puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning, paying about $450 after fees and taxes. Since the news of Gallagher’s departure broke, the puck has drawn offers well above $1,000, but Tremblay declined them all. He felt the puck belonged to Gallagher and to his son, and he wanted to present the piece of history to the player.
Tremblay asked Benoit to arrange a moment for him to give Gallagher the puck, and the organizers not only approved but framed it with a photo of Gallagher scoring against the Bolts. So, on Saturday, before Gallagher began signing autographs, Tremblay handed him the framed last-goal puck. The gesture moved Gallagher, who expressed his gratitude in a moment captured in a photo. Gallagher’s last goal as a Canadiens player thus became a touching symbol of his and the fans’ shared history.