LATEST | Connor Garland opens up on the loss of a longtime teammate

PUBLICATION

Game Time Marc
September 19, 2023 (8:16 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Jeff Patterson, co-host of Rink Wide Vancouver, caught up with Conor Garland. In Garland's interview, he spoke about the departure of Oliver Ekman-Larsson, a player he played with for a long time, including their days as Coyote teammates.

Garland began his NHL career as a Coyote in the 2018-19 season. That year, Oliver Ekman-Larsson had just received the captaincy in Arizona. Flash forward two years, where Garland records 39 points in 49 games and is packaged in a big deal that brings Ekman-Larsson to the Canucks in exchange for a first-rounder (Turned into Dylan Gunther), Loui Eriksson, Jay Beagle and Antoine Roussel.

The deal was necessary as the Canucks removed a few burdensome contracts and brought back a great defenseman. The problem is that the Coyotes drafted Dylan Guenther, who looks like an absolute stud and Ekman-Larsson (The main piece in the trade) struggled from the jump with Vancouver.

Ekman-Larsson played solid in his first year but was not the offensive weapon he was in Arizona. Last season was his second in Vancouver, and it was disastrous as Ekman-Larsson notched a career-low 22 points and was -24. With his cap hit of 8.25 Million dollars for four years left, it was time to buy him out.

Garland spoke about his former teammate fondly, saying.

"...I know he's still a terrific player...great teammate, great leader. He's my longest-tenured teammate, so it was fun to play with him..."

Ekman-Larsson has signed a one-year, 2.25 million dollar contract with the Canucks. Garland and the Canucks will meet early against Ekman-Larsson as the Canucks are in Florida on Oct 21st.