Vancouver Canucks' Conor Garland Opens up Weeks After Signing Massive Contract Extension
Vancouver Canucks forward Conor Garland recently opened up weeks after he put pen-to-paper on a massive contract extension that keeps him in BC until 2032.
Just a few weeks after the Vancouver Canucks' season wrapped up, forward Conor Garland was named to the United States' roster for the 2025 IIHF World Hockey Championship as he didn't want to end his year on a negative note.
Garland went on to play a major role for the United States, registering ten points in ten games, leading his nations to their first World Championship gold medal in 92 years after a win over Switzerland.
With the regular season behind him and a gold medal in his back pocket, Garland and the Canucks began discussing a potential contract extension to keep him in Vancouver long-term instead of him hitting the open market next July.
Conor Garland opens up weeks after signing massive contract extension
On the morning of July 1st, just hours after becoming eligible to sign an extension with the club, the Vancouver Canucks officially officially signed the 29-year-old to a six-year deal (begins in 2026-27) with a cap hit of $6 million US.
"Conor is a core member of our hockey team and a player who has taken on a bigger role with the club the past couple seasons. His commitment to us by signing this deal shows how confident he is in our organization's vision and direction. He competes hard every day, drives play on the ice, is relentless on the forecheck and is really tough to play against. Gars is an emerging leader in the group and works extremely hard to keep himself and the players around him accountable." Allvin said back on July 1st.
Now that Garland has had some time to unwind and enjoy his offseason, the Scituate, Massachusetts native spoke to Ben Kuzma of The Province about the 2024-25 campaign, looking ahead to next season and how he's grown as a player.
"I have to be better as a player and I think that's why they signed me. I try to come back each year better, and I know I have to produce more. I've learned most about consistency. When the puck wasn't going in, or I wasn't making plays, I became a pretty responsible defensive forward on a shutdown line. I'm definitely more versatile." Garland said.
He went on to add, "This year in Vancouver, I was in a leadership role from Day 1, and at worlds I wore a (alternate captain) letter and was part of that leadership group,» said Garland. «I enjoyed being the guy who got the puck and retrieved it for them and let their hind-end talent take over. I learned what it takes to win in a tough tournament like that where a lot has to go right."
He went on to add, "This year in Vancouver, I was in a leadership role from Day 1, and at worlds I wore a (alternate captain) letter and was part of that leadership group,» said Garland. «I enjoyed being the guy who got the puck and retrieved it for them and let their hind-end talent take over. I learned what it takes to win in a tough tournament like that where a lot has to go right."
Garland is set to play a big role for the Canucks once again this coming season, both on their second line and likely the power play too and with Vancouver hoping to avoid a goal scoring disaster like last year, where they finished 24th in goals for in the NHL, they're hoping he can contribute at least 20 for the club.
Before Garland gets to Vancouver for the start of training camp, it looks like he could be in line for a major international opportunity this month, with reports suggesting he may be invited to USA Hockey's Olympic Orientation Camp.
With a strong start to the 2025-26 campaign, Garland could certainly put himself in the mix for a spot on the United States' Olympic roster with NHLers returning to the Winter Games for the first time since 2014.
Source: Ben Kuzma/The Province
Canucks: Career crossroads to culture carrier, Conor Garland's fight got it right
Canucks: Career crossroads to culture carrier, Conor Garland's fight got it right
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AOUT 1|1567 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks' Conor Garland Opens up Weeks After Signing Massive Contract Extension Do you think Conor Garland will contribute at least 20 goals for the Vancouver Canucks this season? | ||
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