DETROIT | Brendan Gallagher knows the history of the Canadiens well. He knows who carried the torch before him. And he doesn’t need a huge portrait to recognize Guy Lafleur’s impact on the team’s rich past.
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In an interview with Chantal Machabée on RDS, Lafleur identified Gallagher as a potential captain for the CH.
“The captain is important in a team and I think the Canadian should name one,” said Lafleur. He’s a spark plug in the bedroom, he’s a guy you empower to talk inside the bedroom, to speak out in front of his teammates. “
“I understand Shea Weber is injured, but appoints an interim captain. Me, the guy I see is Gallagher and I’ve been saying that from the start. It’s not complicated, he eats the strips! It would be felt within the team. “
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Coming out of a morning workout at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Gallagher said he was flattered by the Blonde Devil’s words.
“Obviously, I have enormous respect for a man like Flower. We are talking about a legend of the organization. When you think of the Montreal Canadiens, he is one of the first names that comes to mind. It’s a good feeling to hear that from him. “
“But in saying that, I still mean the same thing,” Gallagher continued. We are building our identity within the team and there are several good leaders in this dressing room. There are different leaders who get up at different times. We feel comfortable with our roles. I am touched by Guy’s opinion, it means a lot to me. I do know, however, that we will continue this season without a captain. We will need more than one leader. “
The same philosophy
Dominique Ducharme has already said it. Marc Bergevin also explained it. The CH have no plans to embroider a “C” on a new jersey by the end of the season.
Although Weber may never land a skate on NHL ice again, the Habs have chosen to continue the adventure with a committee of leaders instead of identifying the next captain.
“It is a decision of the organization, recalled Ducharme. What we want is for our 23 players in the squad, yes there are younger ones in this group, to take part of the leadership. Over time, there will be decisions that will be taken. “
Despite Lafleur’s opinion, Gallagher will not be the only candidate to replace Weber. Nick Suzuki will also receive considerations even though he is only 22 years old.
A five-time Stanley Cup winner and considered one of the best players in the history of the Canadiens, Lafleur has never worn the captain’s “C” on his jersey in Montreal.
Lafleur is fighting a recurring lung cancer. The former number ten will undergo chemotherapy treatments until November 22.
“I have to fight this cancer and stay positive,” explained the 70-year-old man in an interview with Chantal Machabée. There are a lot of people doing it. Miracles exist and not everyone dies of cancer. I trust medical technology. “