It’s hard to describe Conor Garland‘s time with the Vancouver Canucks in a sentence. He’s had ups, and downs and has been brought up in trade rumours numerous times. As the Canucks great season continues, Garland has been one of the key parts of it. Let’s take a look at Garland’s impact with the Canucks this season.
Conor Garland on the Canucks
Garland and Trade Rumours
For the last year and a half, there were rumblings that Garland would get traded. Before the season opener, Garland reportedly requested a trade from the Canucks.
However, the words ” trade request ” might have been a bit premature as Garland did tell the media that he changed agents. It looked like Garland’s time as a Canuck was nearing the end. But as we all know, a trade never materialized.
It was going to be tough to move Garland anyway. He carries a 4.9 million dollar cap hit until the end of the 2025-26 season and if the Canucks did move him, they would have likely had to throw in a sweetener.
Garland’s Impact on the Canucks this Season
Last season, Conor Garland managed 17 goals, and 29 assists for 46 points in 81 games. Those aren’t bad numbers at all. However, Garland spent long stretches without points that season.
So far this season, the 27-year-old (turning 28 on March 11) winger has eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points in 47 games. He is on pace for a 42-point season which would include 14 goals and 28 assists. Those numbers don’t look great for a player making 5.5 million dollars. But despite the numbers, Garland has been very effective this season.
For instance, Garland has been driving play on the third line with Dakota Joshua and Teddy Blueger. Ever since they were put together, they have looked like the Canucks best line. The three of them have been solid forecheckers, quick to start transitions and of course, put the puck in the net.
Garland has been a big part of that line. Head coach Rick Tocchet has trusted him and his line. (A line which needs no name Garland says.) He’s the one leading the way, especially offensively.
He is the one making scoring chances happen and despite being one of the smaller players on the team, he uses his agility to get around defenders. The one thing to know about Garland is that he works his tail off. He is putting a massive effort into his shifts more often than not.
Love the effort by Conor Garland on this play
📽️: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com/HbDPV3Xa6B
— CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) January 19, 2024
Last Saturday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs was definitely his best of the season. He had two goals and an assist against the Leafs and looked to be everywhere. Garland’s second of the game best showcases his ability along the boards and drive to the net.
Conor Garland his second of the game pic.twitter.com/KVMSQxUn8b
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) January 21, 2024
Garland the Analytics Darling
The eye test shows Garland is a good player. However, the analytics show he has been one of, if not, the best Canucks all season.
According to NaturalStatTrick, Garland is first among Canucks forwards (who have played at least 400 minutes) in Corsi for (55.29%), expected goals for (27.26), and high danger chances for (59.72%).
To put that in simpler terms, Garland is very good at creating scoring chances and he does it often. These stats also mean that most of the chances Garland creates are more likely to become goals.
The stats show Garland is good, but it is obvious that he isn’t the best player on the team. However, analytics do show he deserves some credit for the Canucks success.
Why is Garland Divisive Among Canucks Fans? (Well, Canucks Twitter)
Canucks Twitter is a very interesting place. Canucks fans share inside jokes and memes and get into debates surrounding their favourite hockey team. (Like debating the new chrome helmets the team debuted at Tuesday’s practice.)
Over the last few months or even a year now, Garland has been a divisive figure on Canucks Twitter. Some praise his work ethic and his good underlying stats. Others don’t like Garland because of his offensive dry spells, the fact he constantly spins around or something else.
Both things are true.
Yes, Garland has disappeared for long stretches. For instance, he scored his first goal of the season on opening night in the 8-1 dismantling of the Edmonton Oilers. But he didn’t score again until the Canucks beat the Montreal Canadiens on November 12. He can also be frustrating at times. He does tend to spin and hold onto the puck way too long instead of passing or shooting.
But love him, hate him or scoff at analytics all you want, you can’t deny Garland has made a big impact on the Canucks season. Sure, he is overpaid but the Canucks wouldn’t be where they are in the standings without him.
Main Photo Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
