The Vancouver Canucks' 2025-26 season has been a turbulent ride, with trade rumors swirling like a winter storm. Conor Garland, once a focal point at the season's start, has found himself caught in the whirlwind of speculation. The recent trade of Quinn Hughes signaled that the Canucks are open for business, and Garland remains a name to watch.
According to insider David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period, amidst the buzz surrounding Elias Pettersson and Jake DeBrusk, Garland is still very much in play. The Canucks are reportedly willing to move him by the trade deadline if the right offer comes along.
General Manager Patrik Allvin's efforts to maintain a stable core are facing challenges. Last season, JT Miller's departure was shrouded in controversy, and Hughes' exit earlier this year, though less dramatic, still left ripples. There seems to be a cultural shift within the team, and a full reset could be on the horizon, potentially involving Pettersson.
Garland is a player who could help reshape the team's culture, yet he's also the kind of asset that playoff contenders are eager to acquire. With teams likely to offer substantial deals, the Canucks might find it hard to resist, especially as they look to rebuild.
Despite a down year for Garland and the Canucks, his track record as a consistent 50-point player over the past four seasons makes him appealing. With six years left on a reasonable $6 million cap hit, interest from other teams is inevitable, ensuring that trade chatter will continue to echo through Vancouver.