Contract talks between Canadiens, Gallagher paused

Contract negotiations between the Montreal Canadiens and forward Brendan Gallagher have broken off, Gallagher's agent Gerry Johannson confirmed Tuesday, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

Gallagher, 28, has one year remaining at $3.75 million on his current deal and becomes an unrestricted free agent after the 2020-21 campaign.

The pesky winger is due for a pay raise after playing some of his best hockey in recent years. He reached the 30-goal mark in each of the previous two campaigns and was on pace to do so over 82 games again in 2019-20.

Gallagher co-led the Canadiens with 22 goals and added 21 assists while averaging 16:55 in ice time over 59 games this season. He added four points in nine playoff contests.

Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin has made several key changes to the club's forward group this offseason. He dealt Max Domi to the Columbus Blue Jackets for forward Josh Anderson and signed winger Tyler Toffoli to a four-year, $17-million deal Monday.

Montreal currently has just five forwards under contract beyond the 2020-21 campaign.

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