Canadiens Make Surprising Healthy Scratch Saturday

Montréal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis

There's a first time for everything, as they say. The Montreal Canadiens made a difficult and surprising decision on Saturday, announcing that 14-year veteran forward Brendan Gallagher would be a healthy scratch for the first time in his career, for their game against the San Jose Sharks.

Some unfamiliar territory for 14-year vet Brendan Gallagher. pic.twitter.com/DukQlkAg4E
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) March 14, 2026

With only six goals and 20 points in 64 games, the fiesty fourth-liner has seen his ice-time dropping this season, to just 8:48 in the Habs' last game, a 3-2 win over Ottawa. It was the second time in three games that Gallagher was on the ice for less than 10 minutes. The 33-year-old is averaging a career-low 12:39 TOI this season.

It was obviously a tough decision to make for head coach Martin St. Louis.

Martin St. Louis was asked by @PFrioletRDS how Gallagher took today’s news: “I’m pretty sure he took it better than me. It’s not easy, considering all he’s represented to the Canadiens over the years. But it’s where we’re at in the schedule, with our depth. We’ll move forward,…
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) March 14, 2026

"I’m pretty sure he took it better than me," St. Louis said. "It’s not easy, considering all he’s represented to the Canadiens over the years. But it’s where we’re at in the schedule, with our depth. We’ll move forward, continue to evaluate, and Gally is a pro."

Gallagher is slated to return to the lineup for Sunday's game against the Anaheim Ducks.

Asked Jake Evans what he expects to see from Brendan Gallagher tomorrow: “You’re going to see a lot from him, because he’s the most competitive guy I know. When challenges hit him, he doesn’t just give in; he goes right for ’em. So you’re going to see him at his best.”
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) March 14, 2026

Jake Evans said he expects Gallagher to come out with some fury tomorrow night. “You’re going to see a lot from him, because he’s the most competitive guy I know. When challenges hit him, he doesn’t just give in; he goes right for ’em. So you’re going to see him at his best.”

Of the 899 games that Gallagher has been healthy and available for across his 14 seasons with Montreal, this will be the very first time he'll watch from the press box. He has 245 goals and 484 points in 898 regular-season games with a plus/minus rating of +25. He's averaged 15:14 time on ice.