NHL Rumors: Canadiens Trade Plans, Gallagher Gone, Carle to Maple Leafs Buzz

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Brendan Gallagher reveals that his time with the Montreal Canadiens is done. Meanwhile, Canadiens management spoke as well, outlining their plans for the offseason. Finally, is there any truth to the rumors that David Carle might be on his way to the Toronto Maple Leafs as the team’s next head coach?

Brendan Gallagher Leaving the Canadiens

Brendan Gallagher spoke with the Montreal media on Monday and confirmed that he has probably played his final game as a member of the organization. “It’s pretty clear, I’ll be kind of moving on here,” he said while getting emotional.

He thanked the organization, his teammates, and the fans for everything and the 14 years he spent as a member of the Canadiens roster. He called it a privilege that not a lot of players get, and he’s grateful for how he was treated.

Gallagher says if it were up to him, he’d stay in Montreal for the rest of his career, but at least he’ll have a say in where he goes thanks to the trade protection as part of his contract. He was specifically asked about the opportunity to go home to Vancouver and made it clear that it’s one he’d welcome. He will discuss things with his wife and agent about destinations.

Canadiens Intend to Make Trades to Improve Roster

GM Kent Hughes also spoke with the media on Monday, and said he’s already begun calling around to teams to see which players are available. “You read a lot of speculation in social media and otherwise in terms of who may or may not be available.” 

“Ultimately, it’s my job to make sure we’re on top of things, fully aware of what opportunities might be out there to allow us to advance in what we’re trying to accomplish, but in an intelligent manner.” The one trade he doesn’t see himself making is one that would sacrifice a solid piece of their roster to pick up a player for one year. They want to make another run at the Stanley Cup in 2026-27, but not if it means moving off a piece they had pegged as part of their long-term plans.

David Carle Not Joining the Maple Leafs

A report surfaced on Sunday that claimed University of Denver head coach David Carle was accepting the position as the next head coach of the Maple Leafs. That report was inaccurate and denied by several reputable sources.

The rumor gained traction when a fake account posted it as a done deal. The actual TSN Insider Chris Johnston then posted, “Beware of fake accounts, folks! There is no smoke to the Leafs/David Carle rumors being circulated right now.”

The closest the two sides got was a conversation. In that talk, Carle reportedly indicated he was not interested and his intention was to stay in the college ranks.

Blackhawks and Lightning Trade

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks made a trade on Monday morning as both teams confirmed that Tamp has acquired the rights to forward Jack Pridham from the Blackhawks in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.

Pridham is a big, right-shot winger who either needed to declare his intention to play in college or sign a deal to avoid going back in the NHL draft. It is his intention to play another year in college and will officially announce right away.

Pridham is the son of former Toronto Maple Leafs’ assistant general manager Brandon Pridham.