Vancouver Canucks 2026–27 Player Preview: Brendan Gallagher

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Vancouver Canucks 2026–27 Player Preview: Brendan Gallagher

Adam Kierszenblat · The Hockey News - Vancouver Canucks

Sat, Aug 8, 2026 ·

3 min read

Gallagher's 2025–26 Season

Last year was complicated for Gallagher. The 34-year-old played 77 games during the regular season, but found himself in the press box for the majority of the playoffs. Gallagher also registered a career-low 12:21 of average ice time per night while producing 23 points as a member of the Montréal Canadiens .

Despite being a heart-and-soul player for the Canadiens over the last 14 years, Gallagher and Montréal decided it was best to part ways. The former Vancouver Giants captain was traded to Vancouver on June 29 in exchange for future considerations. As part of the deal, the Canadiens also retained 50% of Gallagher's $6.5 million cap hit.

Gallagher's 2026–27 Predictions

Gallagher was brought in to help improve the Canucks' locker room culture. He is a player who never takes a day off and is competitive both in practice and during games. Ultimately, he is the type of leader Vancouver has been missing over the past few years and should help guide the younger players on the roster as they adapt to becoming full-time NHLers.

Outside of the locker room, Gallagher is the type of person who loves to help around the community. He won Sports Personality Of The Year in Montréal and was named an honorary citizen of the city in 2026. Ultimately, Gallagher should provide a great example for all players in the organization when it comes to the importance of connecting with the community.

As for his on-ice role, Gallagher will most likely spend the season as part of the Canucks' bottom six. He could also be an option on the second power play unit. With Gallagher in the final year of his contract, he could also be a potential rental option for teams at the trade deadline.

Bold prediction: Gallagher records over 100 hits for the second time in his career.

Jan 27, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher (11) skates during the warmup before the game against the Vegas Golden Knights at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Canucks 2026–27 Player Previews:

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