NHL Rumors: Canucks & Senators Becoming Trade Partners
Conor Garland keeps getting mentioned in trade chatter, and it’s not because the Vancouver Canucks are shopping him.
Teams are doing their homework because productive wingers who play hard every night are hard to find, and that's exactly what Garland brings.
Why Conor Garland keeps coming up in Canucks talks
The latest buzz comes from Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reporting that coach Travis Green has always thought highly of Garland, and that if Vancouver ever did open the door, Ottawa would be interested.
That’s a big “if,” though. The same reporting makes it clear Garland isn’t expected to be moved, and that’s the important part here. It’s less a trade being close and more a reminder that other teams have him circled if the Canucks ever change their mind.
Bruce Garrioch: Conor Garland isn’t expected to be moved, but we’ve been told that if the Canucks were interested in dealing him, then that is a player that Ottawa coach Travis Green holds in high regard - Ottawa Sun (12/15)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) December 20, 2025
This season, the 29-year-old has recorded seven goals and 19 total points across 28 games. He holds a -5 plus/minus rating, has 70 shots, and 12 takeaways on the year.
What makes a Conor Garland trade so complicated for the Canucks
Even if the Canucks wanted to explore it, the timing is messy. Garland’s extension kicks in next season, and his no move protection tightens up at the same time, which makes any future deal harder. That’s why Vancouver would need a real reason to do it. Garland isn’t just a points guy, he’s a driver, and moving a player like that creates another hole to fill.
This past summer, Garland signed a six-year contract extension, worth $36M and carrying an AAV of $6M. It will kick in after this season.
Conor Garland voted fourth-most ‘punchable face’ in NHL player poll 😂
— CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) December 19, 2025
🔗: https://t.co/Ip2YEDtSCC pic.twitter.com/0SxPTfCbCg
Since joining the Canucks, Garland has amassed 82 goals and 132 assists for 214 total points across 349 games played. He was drafted in the fifth round (123rd overall) by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
If Vancouver goes shopping for changes later, his name will keep popping up because other teams already know where they stand on him.
Photo Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
