The Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens have been rivals for decades, but this summer could create an unusual connection between the two clubs.
After an emotional locker room cleanout day where Brendan Gallagher acknowledged his future in Montreal is uncertain, speculation has started to grow that the Canadiens could buy out the final year of his contract. If that happens, the Senators should have some interest.
Senators could target pesky forward if rival team buys him out
It sounds strange at first. Gallagher spent years annoying Ottawa. He lived around the crease, got involved after whistles, and always seemed to find a way into the middle of things whenever the Senators and Canadiens met.
Now, though, he might be exactly the type of player Ottawa's bottom six is missing.
Steve Staios has spoken about adding experience and leadership to a relatively young group. Gallagher checks both boxes. He has played more than 900 NHL games, been through deep playoff runs, and spent years serving as one of Montreal's leaders.
The offensive production is no longer what it once was. Injuries and a smaller role limited him to 23 points this season, and at this stage of his career, that's probably what he is. But Ottawa wouldn't be bringing him in to score 30 goals. The value would come from his experience, competitiveness, and ability to play a hard-nosed game in a depth role.
The contract is what makes the idea realistic. If Montreal buys him out, the Senators could potentially bring him in on a cheap one-year deal without taking on the final season of his current contract.
Yes, seeing Gallagher in a Senators jersey would take some getting used to. But then again, if Ottawa is looking for experienced depth heading into another playoff push, there are worse bets than a player who has spent his entire career irritating opponents.
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