Canadiens sign forward Brendan Gallagher, goaltender Jake Allen to extensions

The Montreal Canadiens announced a pair of noteworthy contract extensions on Wednesday afternoon. 

Forward Brendan Gallagher put pen to paper on a six-year extension that will keep him linked with the Canadiens through the end of the 2026-27 NHL season. The deal averages $6.5 million per year. 

Gallagher finished the pandemic-shortened campaign tied with Tomas Tatar for most goals (22) among Montreal players. It's the third straight season Gallagher ranked first on the team in the category. He was also first in shots (226) and second with a +9 differential.

Drafted by Montreal in 2010, Gallagher has tallied 173 goals and 161 assists for 334 points across 547 regular-season games. 

Additionally, Montreal agreed to a two-year extension with backup goaltender Jake Allen that will keep the 30-year-old signed through the 2022-23 season at an average annual value of $2.875 million. The Canadiens acquired Allen from the St. Louis Blues in September to ultimately serve as a backup to All-Star Carey Price, who turned 33 years old in August. 

Allen has made 289 career regular-season appearances, all with the Blues. He holds a 148-94-26 record with a 2.50 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage.