On June 25, 2026, Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada presented an honorary citizenship to forward Brendan Gallagher as the 34‑year‑old announced his departure from the Canadiens after a 14‑season tenure.
Gallagher, who joined the team in 2012, has become one of the most recognizable faces on the roster. Over the course of his career in Montreal, he contributed consistently on the ice, earned a reputation for gritty play, and helped the franchise reach multiple playoff appearances. His 14‑year stretch with the club makes him one of the longest‑serving players in recent Canadiens history.
The honorary citizenship ceremony took place at city hall, where Mayor Martinez Ferrada highlighted Gallagher’s impact on the community as well as his on‑ice achievements. The symbolic gesture is intended to acknowledge his contributions to the city’s sporting culture and to mark the conclusion of his time with the team. City officials described the award as a way to celebrate a player who has been a prominent figure in Montreal both on and off the rink.
As Gallagher prepares to move on from the Canadiens, the honorary citizenship serves as a formal recognition of his role in the city’s recent sports narrative. While his next destination has not been disclosed, the accolade underscores the appreciation held by municipal leaders for his dedication during a decade‑plus career that left a lasting imprint on Montreal’s hockey legacy.