Per Elliotte Friedman, the Rangers and Canucks are exploring a potential Conor Garland trade. Friedman was unclear if this was in addition to JT Miller, or instead of JT Miller, as the price tag on Miller is astronomical, according to reports.
Friedman at the intermission says #Canucks have a number of forwards outside of JT Miller that they are discussing with teams, doesn't think it includes Pettersson or Horvat. Conor Garland is one name, Rangers, Boston, Calgary are interested and New Jersey is in there too.
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) January 30, 2022
The Rangers and Canucks have been connected almost all season at this point, and there appears to be a natural match. The Canucks are likely to blow it up and rebuild, seemingly around Pettersson and Hughes (and Horvat). The Rangers have picks and tons of assets, but need help now. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see the match.
The question, as always, is price. Garland has a line of 10-14-24 in 39 games, which would make him the fifth highest scoring forward on the Rangers, and put up tied for 4th in goals with Barclay Goodrow.
Garland is an offensive play driver who plays solid two way hockey. Vancouver isn’t overly good, so to put up these numbers with the Canucks suggests he’d bring this to the Rangers. The Blueshirts are very top heavy and their play driving numbers are last in the league across the board. It’s more than just goals and assists. The Rangers need players who help drive offense and sustained offensive pressure. He creates time and space with and without the puck, and would help solidify the middle six in the lineup.
He has four more years after this one at $4.95 million, which is easily doable this year. It gets a little hairy next season, but we would have to assume Patrik Nemeth is dealt for salary cap purposes beyond this season.
As for trade cost, this one is tricky. The Canucks would likely want a 1st round pick in this deal, and I think a safe assumption is the Rangers would prefer not to deal directly from the roster aside from Nemeth. This is the kind of deal where you trade one of your top prospects, so I’d guess Nils Lundkvist and Vitali Kravtsov are discussed. I don’t think it’s all three of Kravtsov, Lundkvist, and a 1st, but a smart bettor says at least one is included.
The Rangers and Conor Garland would be a great match, both for the short term and long term, as he fills a big need on the club. As much as we discuss rentals, Garland is the type of player and contract combination that is ideal for a team that is currently in its window to win.
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