Blue Jackets Secure Conor Garland in Trade with Canucks
The Columbus Blue Jackets have successfully acquired forward Conor Garland from the Vancouver Canucks. This trade involves a third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a second-round pick in 2028. The announcement was made by Don Waddell, the Blue Jackets’ President of Hockey Operations and General Manager.
Conor Garland Joins the Blue Jackets
Waddell expressed excitement about Garland’s arrival, stating, “Conor is a versatile player who brings great energy to the lineup every night.” He emphasized Garland’s character and his role as an important part of the team’s future.
Player Profile: Conor Garland
Conor Garland, 29, has built an impressive resume in the NHL. He has accumulated:
- 129 goals and 188 assists for a total of 317 points.
- 242 penalty minutes in 535 career games.
- 21 game-winning goals.
- Averages of 16:02 ice time per game.
Garland has played for both the Canucks and the Arizona Coyotes throughout his career. His scoring record includes:
- Averaging 19 goals and 47 points in five seasons with 68 or more games.
- Two seasons with 20 or more goals: 22 (2019-20 with Arizona) and 20 (2023-24 with Vancouver).
- Two seasons reaching 50 or more points: 52 (2021-22) and 50 (2024-25) with Vancouver.
Recent Performance
This season, Garland has recorded 7 goals and 19 assists for 26 points while accumulating 30 penalty minutes in just 50 games.
Career Journey
Garland was selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Draft by Arizona, chosen 123rd overall. He made his NHL debut in the 2018-19 season, scoring 13 goals and 5 assists in 47 games. In three seasons with the Coyotes, he registered 96 points over 164 games.
Since joining the Canucks in a trade on July 23, 2021, Garland has tallied:
- 82 goals and 139 assists in 371 games.
- 184 penalty minutes and a cumulative +4 plus/minus rating.
International Play and Junior Career
Garland has represented Team USA at three IIHF World Championships, earning a gold medal in 2025 and a bronze medal in 2021. In the junior leagues, he played for the Moncton Wildcats, where he notched 328 points over 206 games and won several accolades, including the Jean Beliveau Trophy as the league’s top scorer.
As the Columbus Blue Jackets welcome Conor Garland, they gain a player known for his two-way game and continuous energy, promising to impact their lineup significantly.
