Heart and Soul Gone: Conor Garland Traded to Columbus

Some trades hit teams harder than others. Conor Garland moving to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a third-round pick in 2026 and a second-rounder in 2028 is one of them. For the Canucks, I predict a clear loss. For Columbus, it’s a clear win.

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Garland Wasn’t Just Another Forward, He Was Grit and Heart

Garland is 29 and in the prime of his career. He’s a Rick Bowness kind of player, who was one of the Canucks’ engines and who will give the Blue Jackets that same energy. As well, he’s the kind of player who keeps pushing, even when no one else seems to give a care. He’s an elite pest, as well, who will be valuable in the postseason by getting under the other team’s skin and drawing penalties.

Blue Jackets’ fans should expect him to never back down from a battle and to be the kind of pushy locker room voice. He’s also someone the younger guys can look to.

That his $6 million contract also extends through the end of the 2031-32 season means he’ll be part of the solution in Columbus for a long time. I believe the Blue Jackets will learn to trust him as a core member of the team.

The Blue Jackets Get a Two-Way Energizer Bunny

For Columbus, this trade was a no-brainer. They get a versatile, two-way forward who will help them jump into the Eastern Conference playoffs. He’ll bring energy, production, and leadership. He’s what a team trying to stay in the postseason hunt needs, and he’ll make an immediate difference.

For Vancouver, this is a downgrade. Obviously, Vancouver is all-in for a full rebuild. Still, losing Garland is huge. From my perspective, watching this team play, he could have sparked the next generation of Canucks. The front office has to be hoping someone like Drew O’Connor will jump up to fill the void. But, at least right now, he doesn’t have Garland’s combination of heart, consistency, and presence.

The Trade Shows the Canucks Are Headed for a Teardown

This trade says a lot about where the Canucks are headed. While it might not be fun to watch this season, the Canucks are trying to pull a Montreal Canadiens-type rebuild from the very bottom up. In the short-term, it’s messy. In the long-term, if they are smart enough, it will turn out well.

Sadly, Garland won’t be part of the future, and Canucks fans who appreciated his grit and always-show-up nature have every reason to think their tank for the rebuild is running on empty without him.

Columbus adds a strong piece for a team trying to win now. Vancouver is in the middle of a rebuild, and sometimes heart and soul get traded for draft picks. Even though this is a long-term rebuild, losing Garland’s heart and leadership makes the short-term grade lower.

Trade Grade: for the Blue Jackets, B+, and for the Canucks, B-

Related: Wild Make Two Trades: Acquire Nick Foligno and Bobby Brink