Jason Garrison Trade Rumors

July 1st NHL Free Agency is fast approaching and the usual suspects, Zach Parise and Ryan Suter are getting all the attention from the media. A less-known player, Jason Garrison of the Florida Panthers, is a solid pick-up for many teams. The defenseman is getting better every season, is solid positionally and learned how to use his hard shot from the point. Garrison has the potential to produce 20 goals from the back end and is coming off a $675,000 cap hit contract.

The Panthers have over 15 million in cap space tied up on three defenseman, Brian Campbell, Ed Jovanovski and Erik Gudbranson. The Panthers cannot afford to commit more money to their blue line, leaving Garrison a target for free agency.

"It would be a dream come true to sign with the Vancouver Canucks," says Garrison who grew up watching the Canucks. Look for the Canucks to sign Jason Garrison to a four year deal worth $4-5 million a season. The Edmonton Oilers and the Detroit Red Wings are other teams showing interest in the UFA defenseman.