Blue Jackets Acquire Conor Garland from Canucks

Columbus sends third-round pick and 2028 second-rounder to Vancouver

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired winger Conor Garland from the Vancouver Canucks just after midnight on the NHL trade deadline day. Columbus sent a third-round pick in this year's draft and a 2028 second-round pick to Vancouver in exchange for the 29-year-old Garland, who is signed through the 2031-32 season.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets are in the hunt for a wild card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and the addition of Garland, a versatile two-way forward, could help bolster their offense and chances of making the postseason. The trade also signals that the Canucks are looking to retool their roster ahead of the deadline.

The details

Garland has 7 goals and 19 assists for 26 points in 50 games this season for the Canucks. He carries a $6 million salary cap hit that begins in the 2026-27 season. The Blue Jackets are currently one point behind the second wild card spot in the East after beating the back-to-back champion Florida Panthers on the eve of the deadline.

  • The trade was completed just after midnight on March 6, 2026, the NHL trade deadline day.

The players

Conor Garland

A 29-year-old winger who was acquired by the Columbus Blue Jackets from the Vancouver Canucks.

Don Waddell

The general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets who made the trade to acquire Conor Garland.

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What they’re saying

“Conor is a versatile player who brings great energy to the lineup every night. He has tremendous character, plays a reliable two-way game and will be an important part of our club now and in the future.”

— Don Waddell, General Manager, Columbus Blue Jackets (wbal.com)

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to integrate Conor Garland into their lineup as they push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Canucks will continue to evaluate their roster ahead of the trade deadline to determine if any other moves are necessary.

The takeaway

This trade represents a strategic move by the Blue Jackets to bolster their offense and playoff chances by acquiring a skilled two-way forward in Conor Garland. It also signals that the Canucks are open to making changes to their roster as they look to the future.