Gallagher's commitment to Canadiens brings emotional response from GM

"But since my first day as GM in Montreal, I have watched [Gallagher] play and I'm proud to have him here."Less than a day earlier, Bergevin had signed Gallagher, a cornerstone of the organization and one of its most popular players, to a six-year, $39 million contract extension ($6.5 million average annual value) that locks him up through the 2026-27 season.In French, then in English, Bergevin fought his emotions as he discussed what Gallagher means not just to the team, but to him."He's a player we want, that's it," Bergevin said, haltingly. Had Montreal advanced, Gallagher was almost banking on team doctors giving him a green light to play in the Second Round, behind a cage.It's this attitude that Bergevin adores, having played 1,191 games as a defenseman for eight NHL teams from 1984-2004. He knows the League's dressing-room culture, of leading by example on and off the ice, and even within the constraints of the business of the League, in the Canadiens' executive suites, a player remains very much alive inside him.Video: Gallagher agrees to six-year extension with CanadiensOn Tuesday, it was reported that Gallagher's contract talks had stalled and broken off between the Canadiens and Gerry Johansson, the player's Edmonton-based agent. And that's what I love about him."Gallagher, at home in British Columbia, connected on video conference after Bergevin's session, working out in the gym when his GM spoke."That respect goes both ways," Gallagher said.