Ridiculous trade speculation sees Conor Garland moving to Pittsburgh

With goaltending uncertainty looming due to Thatcher Demko's long-term injury and Arturs Silovs' recent short-term setback, speculation about a potential trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins is gaining traction. The rumoured deal would see the Canucks sending Connor Garland and a 2025 second-round pick to Pittsburgh. In exchange, Vancouver would receive Lars Eller, Alex Nedeljkovic, a 2025 fifth-round pick (originally from the New York Rangers), and a 2026 seventh-round pick (from the Chicago Blackhawks).

Though unconfirmed, this potential trade addresses both teams' needs, with Vancouver potentially shoring up their goaltending depth and Pittsburgh adding offensive talent.

You read that right: dynamic, gritty winger like Garland, who was one of Vancouver's most consistent forwards last season, potentially being swapped for a couple of journeymen and some future lottery tickets. Garland's ability to contribute offensively while also being a workhorse on both ends of the ice makes him crucial to the Canucks' current plans. This rumoured trade would seem like Vancouver giving away one of their most valuable pieces for spare parts.

Even if Thatcher Demko is absent for the first half of the season, giving away Conor Garland and a 2nd Rounder for a netminder that will wind up being a 3rd stringer once, Demko heals like an overpayment. Whether or not the Canucks need to add another goaltender before the season starts is a very different conversation, but do they need to be spending valuable assets for a temporary fix?

Conor Garland asked for a trade out of Vancouver about a year ago, but since then, he's made it known that the tides have turned, and he wishes to continue building on the momentum the Canucks had when their season ended. The forward found his groove alongside Dakota Joshua, and we're hoping to see him outperform the 20 goals and 47 points he had last year.

Source: NHL Trade Rumours
Canucks, Penguins Trade Winds Swirling Amidst Goaltending Uncertainty