Vancouver Canucks

Conor Garland’s Name Suddenly Resurfaces After Friedman’s Canucks Trade Bombshell

Conor Garland’s name jumps back into trade chatter after Elliotte Friedman’s report on the Canucks exploring veteran moves.

by
NHL Trade Talk
November 24, 2025

The Vancouver Canucks may be gearing up for a significant shakeup. On Monday night, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the organization has made it known they’re open to moving veteran players. It didn’t take long for fans—and league insiders—to zoom in on one name: Conor Garland. Trade rumors are now running wild.

That focus only intensified after Patrick Johnston of The Province reported that two league sources believe the Canucks were already considering a Garland trade. Johnston added that talk around Garland bubbled up again over the weekend, and one source described the situation as “like Jim Rutherford playing whack-a-mole,” noting that Garland’s name keeps popping back up despite the team’s attempts to keep things quiet.

Rick Dhaliwal noted that from a roster-building perspective, the logic tracks. Vancouver is stacked on the right side, and Garland’s no-move clause doesn’t kick in until next season. If the Canucks want a high draft pick—or more importantly, a legitimate second-line center—moving a winger from a position of strength might be their clearest path.

A different NHL scout said, “I think he could be a point-per-game player over a full season, or close to. He drags his team into the fight, drives play, wears his heart on his sleeve, and is one of the most underappreciated players in the league.”

Canucks Would Have to Trade Garland This Season

Garland, signed to a six-year, $6 million AAV deal, which will be a hurdle for some teams. But, if another club likes him the way the Canucks do — he brings a hard-working, two-way playmaking presence to the lineup despite his smaller frame — that deal might be seen as a solid value. But, the Canucks have to make the move before he has leverage to control his situation.

Conor Garland game winner Canucks over Oilers 5-4

He forechecks, carries the puck, and gets to the net—qualities that will draw interest from teams looking for competitive juice.

Beyond Garland, Vancouver also faces decisions on pending UFAs and even “a player or two with term.” And with noise expected to grow around the team, it’s clear the Canucks’ front office is preparing for a handful of possible trades.

Next: Oilers Expected to be Very Aggressive in Goaltending Search this Offseason