Posted June 1, 2026 11:12 am.
Last Updated June 1, 2026 1:31 pm.
Brendan Gallagher has confirmed Monday he will be leaving the Montreal Canadiens, saying he believes his opportunities with the team have come to an end.
Speaking as players cleaned out their lockers following the season, the veteran right wing said he expects to continue his NHL career elsewhere after 14 seasons with the Canadiens. Gallagher was selected by the Canadiens in the fifth round, 147th overall, of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and went on to become one of the franchise’s longest-serving players.
“I still have so much to offer,” said Gallagher. “The opportunities won’t be there anymore here. I just need to find myself a new team.”
The 34-year-old reflected on his lengthy tenure in Montreal and the connection he built with the Habs fandom.
“It’s been truly a privilege to play in front of them,” said Gallagher. “It’s not an opportunity a lot of players get.”
Gallagher added the Bell Centre felt like his home for so long, something he’ll always be grateful for.
“I don’t have a single regret. It’s pretty clear I’ll be moving on here,” he said. “It’s incredibly -”
Gallagher paused, taking a few deep breaths before laughing and apologizing for becoming emotional.
“I’m just very fortunate,” he continued, before stopping again.
“I just had a thought about my mom, and I was just thinking about how my teammates supported me through that. Oh God, sorry. I still get emotional talking about her, but that’s something that will always stick with me.”
After stepping away briefly, Gallagher returned to continue speaking with reporters.
His mother, Della Gallagher, died last year following a battle with cancer.
Despite the expected departure from Montreal, Gallagher made it clear he has no intention of retiring.
“There’s more in the tank, obviously,” he said. “I would love for it to be here, but I guess my time has come, and they’ve moved on, and for me, as a player, I’m looking forward to getting back to what I do.”
Gallagher said he is now searching for “a new home.”
“I would love to stay here,” he said. “I would love to be part of this group, but for me, you have to give yourself opportunities as a player to contribute.”
