Change involving Brendan Gallagher and the Montreal Canadiens' first trio: a suggestion is put forward
In my opinion, 32-year-old forward Brendan Gallagher is the biggest surprise on the Montreal Canadiens so far this season.
While many fans have thrown in the towel on the veteran, mainly because of his $6.5 million annual salary, the Canadiens' number 11 is once again demonstrating why he is an important member of Martin St-Louis' roster.
Actually he may not be the most talented, but the little warrior gives 110% every time he steps on the ice. In fact, the level of intensity with which he plays, game after game, should be an example to some of his teammates.
I've said it many times, but I'll say it again: If all the habs players played with the same level of commitment as Brendan Gallagher, the team clearly wouldn't be ranked 29th in the NHL right now.
In addition to giving his heart and soul to the logo on his jersey, the fifth-round pick in 2010 has managed to contribute offensively, with an impressive haul of eight goals and two assists (10 points) in 19 games.
Note that Brendan Gallagher is notably ranked second among the team's scorers, behind a certain Cole Caufield.
However, that's not all, he also ranks 31st in the NHL, tied with players like Jack Hughes, David Pastrnak, Filip Forsberg, Brayden Point and Cale Makar with 8 goals.
This shows just how much of a season Gally is having!
Moreover, during the Antichambre show last night, Gaston Therrien made a particularly interesting suggestion regarding the Montreal Canadiens forward, mentioning that he would like to see him alongside Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky on Martin St-Louis' first line.
I'd like to see him with Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky, because I think he could bring some energy to that unit. I'm not saying Suzuki and Slafkovsky are playing badly, but they're less involved.
If Brendan Gallagher were to work in the corners and in front of the net, it might give them a second wind.
Gallagher is a guy who's going to pull them up, not down, because he's constantly working." - Gaston Therrien
Personally, even though I rarely agree with the panelist's comments, I have to admit that this proposition is rather intriguing.
I think it's time for Martin St-Louis to reward Brendan Gallagher, who, despite limited playing time, stands out as one of the best players on the team right now.
In addition, such a change would also allow Kirby Dach to be demoted to the second or third line, who is, in my opinion, much too calm on the ice.
It would be interesting to see what the Canadiens' number 11 could do with offensive players like Nick Suzuki and Juraj Slafkovsky, especially since he is heading for a 34-goal season if he continues at his current pace.
Do you think Martin St-Louis should put Brendan Gallagher on the first line?
To listen to the excerpt from Gaston Therrien on the Antichambre, click here:
