The Columbus Blue Jackets kicked off the NHL trade deadline day with a significant move, acquiring winger Conor Garland from the Vancouver Canucks on Friday.
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Just after midnight, the Blue Jackets sent a third-round pick in this year’s draft and a second-round selection in 2028 to the Canucks for the 29-year-traditional forward, who had drawn interest from several Eastern Conference teams.
“Conor is a versatile player who brings great energy to the lineup every night,” said Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell. “He has tremendous character, plays a reliable two-way game and will be an important part of our club now and in the future.”
Garland has recorded seven goals and 19 assists for 26 points in 50 games this season. His contract, which begins in the 2026-2027 season, runs through the 2031-2032 season with a $6 million US cap hit.
On Thursday, the Blue Jackets moved within one point of the final playoff spot in the East with a 4-2 victory over the Florida Panthers.
Garland was one of the most sought-after players still available on the market following a flurry of trades Thursday involving Western Conference Stanley Cup contenders, including the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights and Minnesota Wild.
The Modern York Rangers still have the opportunity to move center Vincent Trocheck before the 3 PM EST deadline.
The Panthers also remain a team to watch in the coming hours, sitting 10 points out of a playoff spot with 20 games remaining. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, but forward A.J. Greer appears more likely to be traded.
