Conor Garland was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets by the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday for a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a second-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft.
The 29-year-old forward has 26 points (seven goals, 19 assists) in 50 games for the Canucks this season.
“It kind of happened pretty quick last night, but I’m excited,” Garland told Sportsnet on Friday. “It’s obviously a great team; they’ve been on a tear for the last little bit, right in the thick of a playoff race.
“It’s an exciting time of the year when you’re in a playoff race; there’s nothing like watching the standings, watching other teams every night. Really excited to join them.”
Garland, who is in the final season of a five-year, $24.75 million contract ($4.95 million average annual value) he signed with Vancouver on July 27, 2021, signed a six-year, $36 million contract ($6 million AAV) with the Canucks on July 1, 2025 that begins next season.
Selected by the Arizona Coyotes in the fifth round (No. 123) of the 2015 NHL Draft, Garland has 317 points (129 goals, 188 assists) in 535 regular-season games for the Coyotes and Canucks, and seven points (four goals, three assists) in 21 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
"’Garly’ is a good person, good work ethic,” Vancouver coach Adam Foote said. “We all saw him play with that tenacity. He comes to play every night.
“He's going to be missed as a veteran, but with the rebuild, I understand the move. He'll go to a team that's ready to move forward. It'll open up some spots for young guys here."
The Blue Jackets (32-21-8) are fourth in the Metropolitan Division, one point behind the Boston Bruins for the second wild card into the playoffs from the Eastern Conference.
“Conor is a versatile player who brings great energy to the lineup every night and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome he and his family to Columbus,” Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said. “He has tremendous character, plays a reliable two-way game and will be an important part of our club now and in the future.”
The Canucks (18-36-7) are last in the Western Conference.
"It’s such a special city,” Garland said. “When you’re a good team there, such great memories of leaving the rink in the spring time, when it’s hot out and walking out and there’s thousands of fans there.
“You can’t really replicate playoff hockey in Vancouver. I really enjoyed my time. That city will forever be special to my heart."
