What happened: According to a report from Rick Dhaliwal, Brendan Gallagher's agent Gerry Johansson has been given permission by the Montreal Canadiens to help facilitate a trade. The move signals that the club and the longtime forward are working to find a new home for him this offseason.

Why it matters: Granting an agent permission to seek a trade is a clear sign Montreal intends to move on from one of its longest-tenured players as the rebuild continues. It aligns with earlier reporting that the Canadiens were weighing trade plans involving Gallagher, suggesting the situation has advanced from speculation to active facilitation.

What to watch: Watch for which clubs emerge as suitors and whether Montreal retains salary to complete a deal. Any agreement would reshape the Canadiens' forward depth heading into the 2025-26 season.