Brendan Gallagher's wife announces life-changing news for the Habs forward and herself

Brendan Gallagher got married to his wife Emma Fortin this summer as the couple committed themselves to each other for the rest of their lives.

While Marriage is a big step for all couples, for many it is just the beginning of a new era in their relationships.

Today, Brendan Gallagher's wife revealed that their new era together has taken another major step forward as she announced that they are expecting their first child together.

Understandably, Canadiens fans are thrilled about the news, with many going to social media to congratulate the couple.

Having a child together is arguably the most significant thing anyone can do with their partner, so it is always wholesome and heartwarming to see NHL players making these announcements.

Of course, this does have some implications for the Canadiens this season.

Most likely, Gallagher will have to miss some time so he can be there for the birth of his child.

We've seen this happen already this season as New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin temporarily left the team to be there for his wife during the birth of the couple's second child.

Typically, players are only away for a day or two when their wives give birth, as they are contractually obligated to be with their teams for the rest of the season.

This does beg the question though, should NHL players be allowed to take more time off for such an extraordinary event?

After all, welcoming a child into the world is truly a life-changing event. Anyone who has had a kid can tell you that.

Furthermore, it must be very difficult for new mothers to have to shoulder the burden on their own while their husbands go back to work so quickly.

In other professions, fathers often are guaranteed a certain amount of time off when they have children so they can help their wives as they recover from childbirth.

Of course, this is something that would have to be negotiated in the CBA, so if the players themselves don't mind how things currently work, nothing will change.

Regardless, we wish Brendan and Emma the best as they await their bundle of joy.