Carolina Hurricanes: Exploring a Few Potential Trade Options This Off-Season

Brendan Gallagher

Will Gallagher find his new home in Carolina?

If you got the pun, I’m not sorry.

This is going to be hated by every single Montreal Canadien fan that reads this and I love it. But after extension talks between Brendan Gallagher and the Habs broke down, perhaps moving Gallagher could be in the best interest of both sides. I know this is someone who is beloved by Montreal fans the world over, but this is strictly theoretical.

So why does it make sense for Montreal to move on from Gallagher? Ideally, it doesn’t. But it’s better to get something to for him than lose him for nothing, and with Montreal looking like they’re not going to be competitive with the big three in the Atlantic still reigning supreme, perhaps moving the Edmonton native is what’s best for the Canadiens organization.

Now, why would Carolina be interested in Gallagher? Well, for one, he’s a great net-front presence. His ability to screen goalies and bang goals in from the garbage areas out in front is second-to-none. He’s like a miniature Justin Williams in that aspect. He’s got a good ability to tip pucks and force goaltenders to make a save.

The major reason for any acquisition of Gallagher though would have to be his production. After tallying back to back 30 goal seasons, Gallagher was on pace to do that again this year with 22 goals through 59 games. However, the most impressive factor is that he has this production at no detriment to his playmaking and his consistency with it.

Since his rookie season, Gallagher has only had 2 seasons with less than 20 assists and in both cases, he recorded 19. His career-high for assists is 23, which he’s done twice. He’s the epitome of consistency in regards to his playmaking, and the fact he does this with the ability to bang in goals and score 30 or more in a season makes him a very desirable piece for any contending team.

Another desirable factor about him is that he’s a rental. 1 year of money isn’t going to make a major difference to a team in the long run if he doesn’t transition well from Quebec to Carolina. At 3,750,000 for this year alone, it’s very easily placed lower down the lineup if he doesn’t sit so well with the likes of the captain.

So, how would Carolina go about acquiring the winger? To be honest, I don’t know if it’s possible. Montreal’s major need is top 6 forwards, and Gallagher is just that. I’d imagine any deal would need to include either a 2021 1st round pick or Ryan Suzuki to play alongside his brother Nick Suzuki in Montreal. On top of that, more picks and prospects. He’s not going to be cheap.

Gallagher also has a habit of being able to annoy people. Being a pest, and just being a great agitator. Getting under people’s skin, annoying people and especially unsettling goalies is his specialty. With his leadership by example and his production elsewhere, there’s no denying he’d be a great fit into the Carolina top 6 and there are now reasons to believe he could be on the move.