Brendan Gallagher
ON-ICE VALUE
Top-Six Forward
STRENGTHS
Net-Front Presence: Gallagher has established himself as the league’s preeminent net-crasher. Over the past few years, no forward has registered more high-danger chances or expected goals at 5-on-5. He continually looks to drive the action toward the crease and is very effective at getting under the skin of both defensemen and goaltenders alike.
Fearless: He doesn’t back down from anyone. He’ll duke it out against much bigger players in the corners, he’ll pay the price to set quality screens and he’ll dive in front of shots as a last resort on the defensive end. Few players take the sort of beating he does on a nightly basis, yet he keeps coming back for more.
Reliable: While he shouldn’t be classified as a shutdown forward, he can be deployed in defensive situations because he’s diligent in the trenches and never cheats for offense. He makes nice transitional plays along the wall and generally makes life easier for his teammates.
WEAKNESSES
Size: Despite his tireless work rate, he remains 5’9” and 183 pounds. This means he loses his fair share of puck battles. Driving to the net is difficult as well since he can’t hold off defenders as easily as taller forwards. In-zone defense can be a sore spot given his shorter reach.
Durability: Considering his frame and play style, health is a legitimate concern. He’s begun to miss time in recent seasons, and that pattern may persist—or even worsen—as he enters his 30s. Laying off the gas just a bit would help him stay on the ice and lengthen his career.
