The Toronto Maple Leafs are at a crossroads. With the season not unfolding the way they’d hoped, the front office is clearly exploring ways to shake things up before time runs out. One name that’s surfaced in trade chatter is Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland - a player who’s been on the radar of multiple NHL teams, and for good reason.
Garland, 29, has quietly built a reputation as a high-motor, versatile winger who can slot into a team’s top six or provide depth scoring from the third line. He’s posted six goals and 15 points through 21 games this season, and even while dealing with an injury, he’s shown flashes of the kind of offensive spark that could help a team like Toronto balance out its forward group.
According to Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal, Vancouver has been receiving plenty of calls on Garland. On the December 1 episode of the Donnie & Dhali podcast, Dhaliwal noted that interest in Garland is strong - comparable, in fact, to the buzz around Kiefer Sherwood.
That’s noteworthy, especially considering Garland’s contract and the Canucks’ current place in the standings. They’re not in a rush to move him unless the return makes sense.
Now, while Dhaliwal didn’t name specific teams, it wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine the Maple Leafs are one of the clubs doing their due diligence. General manager Brad Treliving has made it clear he’s open to retooling the roster midseason if it means getting this team back on track. Garland fits the mold of the kind of player Toronto could use - a tenacious forechecker with scoring touch who can play up and down the lineup.
But here’s the catch: Vancouver’s not going to give Garland away. This isn’t a salary dump or a fringe piece. If the Canucks move Garland, they’re going to want something tangible in return - a player or prospect who can help them now or in the near future.
And that’s where things get tricky for Toronto.
The Leafs’ trade chips are limited. Sure, they have intriguing young players like Easton Cowan, but moving a high-ceiling prospect like that for a middle-six winger would be a tough sell - and likely not the kind of move the front office is eager to make.
Nick Robertson is another name that might come up in talks. He’s shown flashes this season and seems to be turning a corner, which makes trading him now a risky proposition.
Bobby McMann? Maybe he gets the conversation started, but it’s unlikely he alone moves the needle for a player like Garland.
This is where creativity will be key. The Maple Leafs aren’t flush with blue-chip trade assets, but they do have pieces that could work in a package deal. Whether it’s a combination of mid-tier prospects, draft picks, or a roster player with upside, Toronto would need to find a way to make the numbers - and the value - work.
Garland isn’t the only name out there, either. Kiefer Sherwood has also been mentioned as a potential target.
While not as established as Garland, Sherwood brings energy and a physical edge that could complement Toronto’s more finesse-heavy core. Again, it would depend on cost and fit, but the Leafs are clearly exploring all avenues.
The bottom line? If the Maple Leafs want to salvage this season, they’ll need to get proactive - and maybe a little unconventional.
Waiting until the deadline might be too late. Players like Garland don’t stay on the market forever, and if another team steps up with a strong offer, Toronto could be left watching from the sidelines.
With the Atlantic Division heating up and playoff spots tightening, the Leafs can’t afford to stand pat. Whether it’s Garland, Sherwood, or another under-the-radar addition, the time to act might be now.