TRADE PROPOSAL | Proposal emerges sending Conor Garland to the Blue Jackets

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Felip Gosselin
October 23, 2023 (8:49 PM)

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Conor Garland is seemingly on his way out of Vancouver. His agent was permitted to speak to other teams to facilitate a trade. The Canucks have expressed their willingness to retain up to 30% of his cap hit, which sparked some conversations.

THE BLUE JACKETS: A POTENTIAL SUITOR?

The Canucks have indicated their preference for a right-handed defenseman capable of logging an important amount of minutes, and the Blue Jackets are a natural match. Their recent acquisitions now leave them with a surplus of defensemen and their need for offence could make them the perfect trade partner for the Canucks.

Here's the proposal that emerged

TO VANCOUVER

Andrew Peeke

TO COLUMBUS

Conor Garland
2024 4th Round Selection

Peeke, 25, a 6'3'' and just under 200 pounds right-handed shot defenseman, might be what the Canucks need. Carrying a $2.75M cap hit until the end of the 2025-2026 season, just like Garland, this deal could happen without any salary retention. The description of his skillset may just be what the Canucks are looking to add to their defensive core:

''Big, mobile defenceman with great vision and hockey sense. Possesses a hard, accurate shot, but needs to use it more. Smooth skater, but has room for improvement in his acceleration with the puck. Reads plays well in his own end and has a well-rounded understanding of the defensive game. Starting to play a gritty game, but that will take time to develop. Physical game is definitely ripening. ''
[EP]

The idea of not retaining any money on Garland sure seems enticing, especially after the buy-out penalties that await the Canucks. The question remains, would Peeke be the right fit to take those minutes? Would he be a better fit then Tyler Myers on the team's top 4?