St. Louis Unsure on Gallagher's Canadiens Lineup Spot

BROSSARD, Quebec - Montreal Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis indicated Friday that veteran forward Brendan Gallagher's spot in the lineup is not assured, as the team navigates a crowded roster of forwards while vying for a second straight playoff appearance.

St. Louis, speaking after practice at the CN Sports Complex, emphasized the need for difficult choices amid the Canadiens' depth up front. Gallagher, the team's longest-tenured player since being drafted in 2010, skated on the fourth line during the session but received no commitment from the coach about his role in upcoming games. His average ice time has dropped to a career-low 12 minutes, 39 seconds this season, reflecting the emergence of younger talent.

"We have a deep group of forwards right now, and sometimes I have to make tough decisions," St. Louis said when asked if Gallagher's competitiveness would secure him regular shifts. "Gally's a pro. I know what Gally can bring, and we're going to make decisions on a game-to-game basis."

The 33-year-old Gallagher, who wears an alternate captain's "A" and has spent his entire 14-year career with Montreal, tallied six goals and 14 assists in 64 games this season. He logged...