Crashing the crease, always being around the puck and frequently riling up opponents, Gallagher became one of the darlings of the Bell Centre crowd, providing a jolt of energy when the Montreal Canadiens needed it most.

Gallagher played all 14 of his NHL seasons with the Canadiens before he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks on June 29, 2026. He had an assist in his 900th NHL game, Montreal's 3-2 overtime win against the Boston Bruins at Bell Centre on March 17, and left as one of 13 players in franchise history to play at least 900 games.

Four days before the trade, Gallagher received the title of Citizen of Honor from the City of Montreal during a ceremony presided by mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada at city hall. The distinction is awarded by the city to people who have improved the well-being of Montrealers through their actions, art and commitment.

Born in Edmonton and raised in Delta, British Columbia, Gallagher was selected by Vancouver of the Western Hockey League in the ninth round of the 2007 Bantam Draft. Despite a productive junior career, he was bypassed until the fifth round (No. 147) of the 2010 NHL Draft.

Gallagher had a record-setting four-season career with Vancouver (136 goals, 280 points). Beginning his pro career with Hamilton of the American Hockey League in the 2012-13 season, he made an immediate impact, scoring 10 goals in 36 games.

He joined the Canadiens midway through the season and had 15 goals and 28 points in 44 games, finishing second to Jonathan Huberdeau of the Florida Panthers  in voting for the Calder Trophy given to the NHL rookie of the year.

Gallagher's value to the Canadiens was never more apparent than when he missed nearly six weeks of the 2015-16 season. He fractured two fingers Nov. 22, 2015, and required surgery. Montreal went 5-11-1 in his absence and went on to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Joining Team Canada for the World Championship following the season, Gallagher helped his country win a gold medal. In 2017-18, Gallagher led the Canadiens in points (54) and goals (31). He was also nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy as a player who best exemplifies leadership qualities and gives back to the community.

The next season, Gallagher had 52 points and again led the Canadiens in goals with 33. He scored his first NHL hat trick in a 5-1 win against the Philadelphia Flyers on Feb. 21, 2019.

Gallagher signed a six-year, $39 million contract with the Canadiens on Oct. 14, 2020.

* Traded to Vancouver by Montreal for future considerations, June 29, 2026.