{"id":436693,"date":"2024-01-24T10:30:52","date_gmt":"2024-01-24T15:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=436693"},"modified":"2024-01-24T09:39:14","modified_gmt":"2024-01-24T14:39:14","slug":"conor-garlands-impact-on-the-canucks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2024\/01\/24\/conor-garlands-impact-on-the-canucks\/","title":{"rendered":"Conor Garland’s Impact on the Canucks"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s hard to describe Conor Garland<\/a>‘s time with the\u00a0<\/span>Vancouver Canucks<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Conor Garland on the Canucks<\/h2>\n

Garland and Trade Rumours<\/span><\/h3>\n

For the last year and a half, there were rumblings that Garland would get traded. Before the season opener, Garland\u00a0<\/span>reportedly requested a trade from the Canucks.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

However, the words ” trade request ” might have been a bit premature as\u00a0<\/span>Garland did tell the media that he changed agents<\/span><\/a>. It looked like Garland’s time as a Canuck was nearing the end. But as we all know, a trade never materialized.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Garland’s Impact on the Canucks this Season<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

For instance, Garland has been driving play on the third line with Dakota Joshua<\/a> and Teddy Blueger<\/a>. Ever since they were put together,<\/span>\u00a0they have looked like the Canucks best line.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0The three of them have been solid forecheckers, quick to start transitions and of course, put the puck in the net.<\/span><\/p>\n

Garland has been a big part of that line. Head coach Rick Tocchet<\/a> has trusted him and his line. (A line which needs no name Garland says.) He’s the one leading the way, especially offensively.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Love the effort by Conor Garland on this play<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcfd\ufe0f: Sportsnet | NHL pic.twitter.com\/HbDPV3Xa6B<\/a><\/p>\n

— CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) January 19, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n