Gallagher doesn't want current season to interfere with 2020-21 prep
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The NHL is considering ways it can resume its paused campaign, but Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher is already looking ahead to 2020-21.
"For us right now, it always comes back to the same thing," Gallagher said Thursday, according to Sportsnet's Eric Engels. "It's about winning, and if it's going to interfere with our ability to prepare for next year where we have a chance, I'd rather continue my training."
The 27-year-old did, however, clarify that he'd be up for playing out the 2019-20 season if the playoffs include more than 16 teams.
"If it's a situation where maybe you see these scenarios where you have a chance to play and they expand the playoff bracket, obviously you're going to be all for it," he said.
As the league remains postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Canadiens sit 10 points out of both an Eastern Conference wild-card spot and third place in the Atlantic Division.
"I'd rather be here preparing for next year and getting my body ready for whatever you have to do to have a chance to win, and obviously the players that are in contention, they're going to want to go play no matter what," Gallagher said.
The NHL considered hosting games at neutral sites before scrapping that idea in favor of potentially resuming play in up to four league cities.
Florida Panthers president Matthew Caldwell revealed Wednesday that the league is targeting a return in July.