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Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as the Earth!

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2022-10-12 13:39:59

Brendan Gallagher has always beaten the odds. The 5-foot-9 forward has never been guaranteed anything, he's always had to work hard.

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

Just getting drafted into the NHL was a big deal for him.

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

Other small players with the same style were not so lucky. Jonathan Marchessault of the Vegas Golden Knights comes to mind.

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

Gallagher was lucky enough to have his name called in the fifth round of the 2010 draft. He became the 147th pick in that auction.

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

The Montreal Canadiens then gave Gallagher time to develop. He spent two more seasons at the junior level before graduating to the pros.

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

A few games in the AHL in 2012-13 and Gallagher was finally ready for the big leagues.

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

Against all odds!

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

The diminutive forward quickly made a name for himself with his style of play. Involved despite his size, the winger was never afraid to get his hands dirty.

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

After three promising first seasons of 28, 41 and 47 points, Gallagher received an offer he just couldn't refuse.

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

The Habs were extending $22.5M over 6 seasons. Gallagher only had two and a half seasons behind the tie at the time!

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

The deal, however, was great for everyone. Gallagher is a small player who plays big. His physical involvement night after night could mean a shorter career, no less.

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

The Habs had an energy player for six seasons early in his career. The first two a bit expensive, the next four bargains!

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

Gallagher, meanwhile, also has to live with the consequences of his style of play. Securing $22M this early in his career, why not!

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

The years have passed, and Gallagher has indeed done the Montreal Canadiens proud.

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

Awesome 31- and 33-goal seasons in 2017-18 and 2018-19 have actually sparked an idea in the Montreal Canadiens: extend the association with Gallagher.

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

The negotiation went very well for the Gallagher clan, who managed to get a 6-year, $39M deal, no less!

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

Since? Injuries...

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

What was bound to happen unfortunately did, and the fiery forward's last two campaigns have been marked by all sorts of pain.

Brendan Gallagher still has a heart as big as dirt

Credit: USA Today/IMAGN

Some will say it was predictable, that Marc Bergevin was trying to save his job, that the decision to give this new contract was not made in a good way...