Canadiens Veteran Brendan Gallagher Embraces Role as Team Leader, Despite Being Among League’s Oldest
BROSSARD – As the Montreal Canadiens navigate a season with a youthful roster, veteran forward Brendan Gallagher is finding himself in a new, yet familiar, position: leading by example as the team’s most experienced player.While acknowledging his 33 years, Gallagher maintains a youthful energy that resonates with his younger teammates, solidifying his place as a key figure in the Canadiens’ locker room.
Gallagher, now in his 14th season with the Canadiens, officially became the “dean” of the team following David Savard’s retirement. Tho he jokes about the designation – “At 33, I don’t know if I should necessarily be the oldest player on an NHL team,” – he readily accepts the duty of mentoring the team’s burgeoning talent, including 19-year-old Ivan Demidov, adn 21-year-olds Lane Hutson and Juraj Slafkovsky.
Across the NHL, Gallagher ranks as the 106th oldest player. Though, within the Canadiens’ locker room – the youngest in the league – his presence is invaluable.
“Gally has great influence within the group,” Hutson noted. “he always arrives at the arena with a smile on his face and positive energy. You can’t teach that. It’s natural for him. He’s been doing it for so long.”
hutson, the recent Calder Trophy winner, further emphasized Gallagher’s ability to help integrate newcomers. “He helps young people integrate into a team. He is very good socially. He breaks the shyness of the youngest by laughing with us.”
jake Evans echoed this sentiment, playfully pointing out Gallagher’s age before praising his leadership. “He’s the oldest at 33,” Evans said with a smile. “On the ice, he remains the same player, he is still very competitive. He leads by example. Off the ice, he is the oldest player, but he acts like one of the youngest. He likes to laugh with everyone and he persists with the younger ones just for the fun of it. Everyone likes Gally.”
Gallagher’s longevity with the Canadiens places him in esteemed company. He is one of only 23 players to have played 14 seasons or more for the Montreal franchise, trailing only Henri Richard and Jean Béliveau (20 seasons), Maurice Richard (18 seasons), and Larry Robinson (17 seasons). As 2000, only Andreï Markov (16 seasons), Carey Price (15 seasons), and tomas Plekanec (15 seasons) have spent more time with the institution.
“I can’t even give you an estimate [of how long it’s been],” Gallagher admitted after a recent practice. “I have no idea. What is the number?”
Upon learning it was 14 seasons, gallagher reflected on his deep connection to Montreal. “Over the years, I can say that montreal represents a second home for me,” he said.”It’s here that I met my wife, it’s here that my daughter was born and it’s here that I’ve lived since I was 20 years old. I wear this sweater with great pride. I’ve been playing it for a long time, but each season has provided me with different challenges. I grew up with this team, I developed as a leader and I always looked to play an significant role, but do it my way.”
