If you are wondering if Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland will finish the season in British Columbia, look at the calendar—specifically, look at July 1st.
According to a recent report from Ben Kuzma of The Province, the Canucks were active in trade discussions leading right up to the current Olympic roster freeze (Feb. 4 – 22). While the team isn’t aggressively “shopping” him in a panic, the reality of the situation is clear: Garland is currently the most realistic trade chip the Canucks have before the March 6 NHL trade deadline.
Why the urgency? It comes down to asset management. The 29-year-old winger has zero trade protection right now. However, his massive contract extension—carrying a $6 million annual value—kicks in on July 1st. Crucially, that new deal includes a full No-Movement Clause (NMC). If General Manager Patrik Allvin doesn’t move him now, Garland effectively controls his own destiny for the next six years.
The Contract Complication: Why Teams Hesitate on Garland’s Term
From an analysis standpoint, this is a classic NHL standoff between talent and term. There is no denying Garland’s effectiveness; he drives play, he’s tenacious, and he fits the mold of a playoff performer. Kuzma’s report indicates that rival teams genuinely like Garland’s style of play. He is exactly the kind of pest you want on your roster for a postseason run.
However, the hesitation isn’t about the player—it’s about the paper. Opposing GMs are reportedly balking at the six-year term attached to his extension. Committing $6 million AAV to a winger entering his 30s is a significant risk in a salary cap world.
My Take: In my opinion, you should expect Garland to be a primary trade candidate immediately after the Olympic break concludes on February 22. The Canucks are seemingly motivated to move him not because they dislike the player, but because they cannot afford to be locked into that NMC if they want roster flexibility during a retool.
The active talks Kuzma mentioned suggest that where there is smoke, there is fire. The Canucks need to find a partner who values Garland’s immediate impact enough to swallow the long-term pill. If a team feels they are “one piece away,” they might bite, but Allvin may have to get creative to clear this contract off the books before the March 6 deadline passes.
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The post The Ticking Clock: Why the Vancouver Canucks Must Trade Conor Garland Before It’s Too Late appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
