Frank Corrado thinks Brendan Gallagher’s biggest impact on the Vancouver Canucks won’t show up in the box score.
Speaking on the “Sekeres & Price” podcast, the former NHL player pointed to Gallagher’s presence, attitude and leadership as the traits that could matter most after the former Montreal Canadiens forward was traded to Vancouver this summer.
“I think there's something to be said for the role that he can play on that team, how big his voice is, how positive he is, [..] he's really a cheerful guy, happy guy around the rink & he brings a lot of positivity to the table in a year that has the potential to be filled with a lot of losses, having a guy like that who can kind of steer properly and shape some of the focus & some of the perspective. It's going to be important [...]''
Corrado’s point was clear: in a young locker room, Gallagher’s personality may be just as valuable as anything he does on the ice. The veteran forward built his reputation in Montreal on energy and competitiveness no matter the circumstances, and that same edge could be a useful example for the Canucks’ younger players.
Last season, Gallagher put up 23 points in 77 games, a line that only tells part of the story. His scoring has never been the full measure of his value, and Corrado framed him as the kind of player who can help keep a team grounded when things get rocky.
That sort of influence doesn’t appear on the scoresheet, but inside a locker room, veterans know it can carry real weight.
I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of season Brendan Gallagher can have with the Canadiens.
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