Conor Garland Trade Rumors: Why the Maple Leafs Could Be a Real Fit for the Canucks’ Forward
The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly open for business, and one of the more intriguing names now surfacing in trade talks is forward Conor Garland. While Vancouver isn’t looking to blow it all up, they’re clearly listening on veterans-and Garland, a skilled winger with offensive upside, has entered the conversation.
For the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team trying to balance cap constraints with a win-now mentality, Garland could be a savvy addition. But making the money work-and matching Vancouver’s ask-won’t be simple.
Vancouver’s Trade Mindset: Win Now, Not Later
The Canucks sit seventh in the Pacific Division with a 10-13-3 record, and while they’re not completely out of the playoff picture, their trajectory has them looking more like sellers than buyers. That said, Vancouver isn’t looking to stockpile picks and prospects.
According to multiple reports, including one from Elliotte Friedman, the Canucks are aiming to retool on the fly. They want NHL-ready players who can help right away-not lottery tickets for the future.
That’s where Garland comes in. At 29, he’s not a prospect but a proven NHL contributor.
He’s posted 15 points (6 goals, 9 assists) through 21 games this season and tied for second on the team in points last year with 50. He’s got offensive instincts, plays with pace and energy, and can slot into a middle-six role comfortably on most teams.
Garland’s Fit in Toronto: Offense Over Size
The one knock on Garland-fair or not-is his size. Listed at 5'10" (and some believe that’s a generous listing), he doesn’t fit the mold of the bigger, heavier forwards that Leafs GM Brad Treliving has often favored. Still, Treliving has shown he’s willing to make exceptions for players who bring either grit or elite offensive upside.
In Calgary, he leaned into smaller skill guys like Johnny Gaudreau and Dillon Dube. In Toronto, he’s already made room for Matias Maccelli and Troy Stecher-players who aren’t big but bring something valuable to the table.
Garland fits that mold. He’s not going to win board battles with brute strength, but he’s slippery, creative, and brings a motor that doesn’t quit.
Who Could Be on the Move from Toronto?
The Leafs are in a unique position. Their prospect pool isn’t overflowing with blue-chip talent, but their NHL roster is deep enough that they could make a player-for-player deal work-exactly what Vancouver is looking for.
Names like Maccelli and Bobby McMann come to mind. Maccelli, with a $3.43M cap hit, could be a straight-up swap on the wing. McMann, on an expiring deal, has shown flashes in a top-six role and might appeal to a team like Vancouver looking for immediate help without long-term commitment.
Then there’s Max Domi. His $3.75M cap hit is a bit higher, but if Toronto needs to clear room to absorb Garland’s $4.95M this season-before his $6M extension kicks in next year-Domi could be part of the math.
The Leafs only have about $225K in cap space, so any move for Garland would almost certainly require salary going the other way. That could mean a two-player package from Toronto, or a more creative structure to make the numbers work.
Why This Could Work for Both Sides
The Canucks want NHL players. The Leafs have them.
Garland is a player who can help Toronto now and into the future, and his offensive profile fits a team that thrives on speed and skill. For Vancouver, moving Garland could bring in fresh legs and perhaps a different look for their middle six.
And while the Leafs are always up against the cap, they’ve shown time and again that they’re willing to make bold moves to stay competitive. Garland might not be the biggest name on the market, but he’s the kind of player who could quietly make a big impact down the stretch.
It’s not a done deal, but it’s one worth watching. With both teams motivated-and the fit making sense on paper-this is a trade scenario that could pick up steam fast.