Montreal Canadiens add offensive depth; sign Brendan Gallagher to entry-level deal -NHL News Update
The Montreal Canadiens added some offensive depth to their team by signing the top junior prospect, Brendan Gallagher, to a three-year, entry-level contract, on Wednesday night, November 16, 2011, announced the team in their home city.
The financial aspects of the entry-level deal between the young prospect and the Montreal Canadiens was not disclosed officially, but is believed to be one which the team normally awards to such players who sign on.
Thrilled as he was, Gallagher did not fail to make a well planned out speech after signing his entry contract into the National Hockey League (NHL).
"First and foremost I would like to thank the Montreal Canadiens for taking a chance on me and believing in me", said Gallagher. "I'm very excited to sign my first pro contract, which puts me one step closer to realizing my dream of playing in the NHL. This
would not have happened without the support of my family, my many teammates over the years, the coaching staff in Vancouver led by Don Hay, and the rest of the Giants organization".
Gallagher, a native of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, was picked up as the 147th overall pick during round-five of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. He continued to play with his minor league team in the Western Hockey League (WHL),
the Vancouver Giants, and according to Montreal, has matured enough to work for a position next season.
Standing at just 5-foot-9 and 174 pounds, Gallagher might not have the frame of a normal hockey player, but is certainly capable of performing where it counts the most.
Emerging now as the top forwards in the minor league, Gallagher, potted only 31 points (10 goals, 21 assists) in his first season with the Vancouver Giants in 52 games.
The following season, he improved monumentally with 81 points (41 goals, 40 assists), which ultimately led him to be drafted by the Montreal club but he did not stop there. The 19-year-old had another spectacular performance during the 2010-2011 season with
the Giants by registering, 91 points (44 goals, 47 assists) in 66 games.
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