Montreal Canadiens ahead Brendan Gallagher was named an ‘honorary citizen’ of Montreal at a ceremony at Metropolis Corridor on Thursday.
Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada introduced the honour to the 34-year-old participant, who spent 14 seasons with the Canadiens and has lengthy been a outstanding determine within the metropolis.
A number of dozen individuals attended the occasion, together with staff proprietor Geoff Molson, the place the Alberta native acquired quite a few heartfelt tributes highlighting the dedication, management, ardour and braveness he confirmed over his a few years in Montreal.
Montreal Canadiens co-owner Geoff Molson speaks throughout a ceremony naming Canadiens participant Brendan Gallagher as a Citizen of Honour at Metropolis Corridor in Montreal, on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
“This metropolis, I’ve actually spent virtually half my life in Montreal, and what the individuals, what the group imply to me, it’s actually arduous to place into phrases,” Gallagher mentioned.
“I’m simply so grateful that I’ve had the chance to be part of it and to be welcomed by the individuals right here.”
The hockey participant acquired the town’s highest honour after Gallagher emotionally introduced throughout his end-of-season media availability earlier this month that he is not going to return to the staff subsequent season.
“Montrealers are a particular group of individuals and I’m very honoured by this complete day, but additionally my 17 years, actually, since I’ve been drafted right here,” the participant mentioned.
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“For 14 seasons, greater than 800 video games,” Mayor Martinez Ferrada mentioned. “For a complete technology of followers, Brendan wasn’t only a participant. He was their participant.”
Montreal mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada seems on as Montreal Canadiens participant Brendan Gallagher indicators the golden ebook throughout a ceremony naming him a Citizen of Honour at Metropolis Corridor in Montreal, on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
She known as Gallagher “the picture of effort, braveness and perseverance,” saying he battled by adversity, by no means backed down and gave every part to his staff.
She added that he embodied Montreal’s resilience and grit, and thanked him for exhibiting “what dedication to a staff and a metropolis seems like.”
“He confirmed us the sort of character that might not be measure on sports activities spreadsheets,” she mentioned.
“From the entire metropolis: Thanks, Gally.”
Head coach Martin St. Louis decreased Gallagher’s function late within the season and through the playoffs, leading to him enjoying in solely three of the staff’s 19 post-season video games.
Gallagher has one 12 months remaining on his six-year, US$39-million contract, which carries an annual salary-cap hit of $6.5 million. The staff’s administration has two potential choices: buying and selling him or shopping for out his contract.
Montreal Canadiens participant Brendan Gallagher speaks throughout a ceremony naming him as a Citizen of Honour at Metropolis Corridor in Montreal, on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Chosen by the Canadiens within the fifth spherical of the 2010 NHL draft, Gallagher has spent his complete 14-season NHL profession with the group, recording 246 targets and 487 factors in 911 video games. He added 14 targets and 34 factors in 79 playoff video games.
As for what comes subsequent, he didn’t rule out a return near house with the Vancouver Canucks. Born in Edmonton, Gallagher grew up in Tsawwassen, B.C., and performed 4 seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants.
“It simply must be a spot the place my household is comfy. I feel that’s the primary precedence,” he mentioned. “We’re going to have two youngsters underneath two and my spouse and my youngsters are No. 1. Then, after that, discovering a spot that I can go and do what I want do, play my sport and discover a place I may be useful to a bunch.
“I’m certain there’s going to be an answer on the market, a spot on the market the place we will discover all that.”
–with information from The Canadian Press
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