Vancouver Canucks Pursue Canadiens' Brendan Gallagher in Trade

The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly interested in acquiring Montreal Canadiens winger Brendan Gallagher, a 34-year-old veteran with a year remaining on his contract. Gallagher, a former Vancouver Giants standout, has a six-team no-trade list, but his fondness for Vancouver could give the Canucks an edge in negotiations. Canucks general management is setting the team's culture for a long-term rebuild and covet Gallagher's leadership value, which was praised by Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis. Gallagher has played 14 seasons with the Canadiens, but is not part of the team's future plans, especially after playing just three of 19 playoff games in the Eastern Conference final. The Canucks may offer a middle to late-round draft pick or prospect as a sweetener in a potential trade, but the Canadiens are in go-for-it mode and may not be willing to part with a valuable asset. Gallagher's agent, Gerry Johansson, has permission to broker a deal, and the Canadiens can save money by buying out his contract, but this would not address their priority needs. The Canucks are also considering other options, including affable winger Curtis Douglas, but Gallagher is their top target.