Vancouver Canucks allow player to pursue his own trade

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Liam
October 10, 2023 (4:19 PM)

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The Vancouver Canucks are stuck in a rare situation, with the team and a player wishing to part ways mutually. The problem is however, finding a trade has become difficult. Now, the Canucks are allowing the player himself to negotiate a trade with another team.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Vancouver Canucks and Connor Garland are mutually pursuing a trade. Garland and his agent now have the ability to find a trade partner that's willing to take on Garland's difficult contract. For the next three seasons, Garland is owed $4.95M.

"There is word this afternoon that Vancouver has granted Conor Garland permission to talk to other teams about a potential trade. Tight cap situation, see if there's a better fit around the NHL." - Elliotte Friedman

Garland was acquired by the Canucks via trade from the Arizona Coyotes from former GM Jim Benning, who signed him to the current contract. Garland hasn't been significantly underperforming, recording 52 and 46 points in his last two years respectively, but his contract is a little bloated by what he can provide a team to win games. Now that both the Canucks and Garland feel a trade would benefit both parties, a process will begin for Garland to find a new home. Recently, Garland switched agents and is now being represented by Judd Moldaver - who notably represents players including Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid.