The Montreal Canadiens faced multiple roster shakeups Monday, with veteran forward Brendan Gallagher taking an unexpected leave for personal reasons.
The news came alongside several other personnel changes for the Habs, including the promotion of promising young center Owen Beck from the minors.
Two other players – Josh Anderson and David Savard – missed practice for treatment, while the team also confirmed an injury to forward Kirby Dach.
Gallagher’s absence comes during what’s been a bounce-back season for the veteran forward. He’s put up 25 points in 57 games, including 15 goals – tied with Nick Suzuki for second-most on the team.
The 31-year-old has been a key piece for head coach Martin St-Louis’s squad this year.
There’s no indication that Gallagher will miss Tuesday night’s home game against the Carolina Hurricanes. The team expects him to be available, though final confirmation will likely come during St-Louis’s next press conference.
Gallagher remains an important part of the Canadiens’ long-term plans. He’s locked in with the team through 2027 on a contract worth just over $6 million annually.
Beck’s call-up appears to be mainly related to Dach’s injury situation, as the team needed center depth. The young prospect will get another chance to show what he can do at the NHL level.
“Brendan Gallagher is absent from practice for personal reasons,” reported Anthony Martineau of TVA Sports, who first broke the news.
The Canadiens will look to weather these temporary absences as they prepare to face the Hurricanes at the Bell Centre.
