NHLTR Mock Trade: Canadiens Deal Brendan Gallagher for Canucks' Chytil

Thursday, June 11, 2026 ,

 


On June 1st, it was reported that Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher named the Vancouver Canucks as one of his preferred destinations if he becomes a trade piece.

The day was somber for the long-time Habs player who has played all 14 seasons of his career in Montreal. While it was his "choice" to leave the team, Gallagher addressed his future in the NHL with reporters. It sounded like there were outside forces applying pressure on the veteran to exit the organization.

“It is obviously my decision, but you’re kind of forced into it,” Gallagher said. “I would love to stay here and love to be a part of this group. But for me, you have to give yourself an opportunity as a player to contribute and the situation now, it’s not going to change. You just kind of accept it for what it is and you deal with it.

“I’ve been around here long enough that I’ve seen it happen to other players, and guys go on and go finish their careers elsewhere. But for me, Montreal is always going to be home and I don’t want it to be lost on anyone how fortunate I feel to have the opportunity to play here for as long as I have.”

Selected 147th overall in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL Draft. The gritty two-way forward has played 911 games wearing Habs colors, scoring 487 points (246 goals, 241 assists). 

Before Gallagher exits for good, general manager Kent Hughes could use him as a trade chip to continue to build the roster and get deeper down the middle. 

One option is center Filip Chytil of the Vancouver Canucks, selected 21st overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. Projected to be a top-six forward in the NHL, injuries set his development back in New York. Chytil has played 405 games in the NHL, split between the Canucks, and Rangers, and scored 173 points (80 goals, 93 assists). 

What Would A Trade For Brendan Gallagher Look Like?

Jeff Marek joined Daily Faceoff to discuss the mock trade in which we see the two swap talent in a one-for-one deal. 

 
        

The Canucks would receive a second-line center in Chytil, while sending Gallagher to a preferred destination. 

The only issue for the Canadiens would be dealing with another forward like Kirby Dach, who is injury-prone. Though the benefits for the Habs would be relieving themselves of $6.5 million in cap space when Gallagher is traded. 

Who says no?


Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

 

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