MONTREAL — As the media waited to enter the visitors’ dressing room in Washington following the Canadiens 4-1 win over the Capitals Thursday night, there was a steady parade of equipment guys hauling out bags to be loaded for the return trip to Montreal.

In the middle of the caravan, with a bag over each shoulder, was rookie Alex Galchenyuk.

It’s small gestures of this sort that mark Galchenyuk as someone special. He’s a No. 3 overall draft pick with the potential to make millions over the length of his entry-level contract and here he was lending a helping hand.

Galchenyuk has been in the spotlight since he reported for training camp two weeks ago and he hasn’t made a false step. Coach Michel Therrien has said if the youngsters — Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher — are to remain in Montreal, they must be capable of playing 12 minutes a game and they have reached that threshold.

Galchenyuk has demonstrated unusual skills for an 18-year-old and Therrien has closely monitored his ice time and the situations in which he is used. The coach said he wants to build the youngsters’ confidence and put them in positions where they can learn and succeed.

The question to be answered over the next week is: Where will Galchenyuk do his learning over the next few months?

Galchenyuk has played three games in the NHL and can play two more before the first year of his three-year, entry-level contract kicks in. If he is returned to junior before he plays his sixth game, the clock only starts ticking on the contract next season.

Not wasting the first year of that contract on a lockout-shortened season is the best argument for sending Galchenyuk back to the Sarnia Sting, but it would be a short-sighted decision on the Canadiens’ part.

Before arriving in Montreal, Galchenyuk was tearing up the Ontario Hockey League. After a slow start to the season, he was the second-leading scorer in the OHL and he has little to gain by going back to junior. In fact, there is the danger it could hamper his development. He’ll be far better off staying in the NHL, where he can be challenged on a nightly basis and develop his skills against the best competition.

As for Gallagher, the Canadiens don’t have to make the same decision because his contract began in October, when he suited up for the Hamilton Bulldogs, and it appears he’s here for the duration.

At first glance, the last thing the Canadiens need is another small forward, but the 5-foot-8 Gallagher — who says he “weighs 180 on a good day” — plays like a bigger man. He hits people, he agitates in front of the net and he blocks shots.

The kids are growing up and they deserve to grow up together. phickey@montrealgazette.comTwitter:note>