Canadiens sign Brendan Gallagher to a six-year contract extension

Just an hour before puck drop of tonight's game versus the Sabres, the Canadiens have announced that they have signed firecracker forward Brendan Gallagher to a six-year contract extension.

This is great news, although it does mean that Gallagher was not forced to take a bridge contract, which is generally Marc Bergevin's favourite type of contract when a young player finishes his entry-level contract.

PRESS RELEASE

In 24 games with the Canadiens in 2014-15, Gallagher has recorded 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists), 67 shots on goal and 33 penalty minutes. The 5’09’’ and 182 lbs forward displays a +2 differential, while averaging 15:59 of ice time per game.MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced Saturday a six-year contract extension for forward Brendan Gallagher (2015-16 to 2020-21).

Gallagher, 22, has tallied 81 points (39 goals, 42 helpers) in 149 career regular-season games since his NHL debut in 2012-13. He has scored 11 powerplay goals and four winning goals, while maintaining a +16 differential. Gallagher has collected 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists) in 22 career playoff contests.

A native of Edmonton, Gallagher was drafted in the fifth round, 147th overall by the Canadiens at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2012-13.1

Brendan Gallagher contract extension. 3 years / 3.75 AAV #canadiens #tvasports

— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) November 29, 2014

I assume Lavoie made an error on there, because Gallagher was definitely signed for six years, and not three.

At first glance, $3.75M AAV is a very decent price tag for a player like Gallagher.