Blue Jackets Bolster Roster with Conor Garland
The Columbus Blue Jackets have finalized a strategic move, acquiring forward Conor Garland from the Vancouver Canucks. This trade comes at a crucial moment, as the Blue Jackets aim to secure their first Stanley Cup playoffs berth since 2020. In return, the Canucks, in the process of rebuilding, will receive a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL draft and a second-round pick in 2028. Garland, 29, has recorded seven goals and 19 assists in 50 games with the Canucks, who are at the bottom of the standings. His average ice time is 18:57, with a -15 rating. In his last 23 games with the Canucks, he has failed to score. Previously, Garland had scored at least 19 goals in four of his last six NHL seasons, playing for Vancouver and Arizona, the team that selected him in the fifth round (No. 123) in 2015. He stands out for his play in the offensive zone and his performance in defense.The Blue Jackets traded for Garland in the last year of his five-year contract, which has a $4.95 million cap hit. However, he will not become a free agent this summer. The peculiar thing about this trade for Columbus is that Garland already signed a six-year contract extension, which begins next season, granted by Vancouver last July. That deal extends through the 2031-32 season and has a $6 million cap hit and a full no-movement clause in the first three seasons. The Blue Jackets are one point behind Boston in the race for the last wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, and both teams have played 61 games. The Blue Jackets have been one of the league’s most outstanding teams since Rick Bowness replaced Dean Evason as coach, with a record of 13-2-1 under his new command.Conor is a versatile player who brings great energy to the team every night and we are very happy to welcome him and his family to Columbus. He has a great character, plays a reliable game in both directions and will be an important part of our club now and in the future.
Don Waddell, President of Hockey Operations for the Blue Jackets
