The Boston Bruins appear ready to make a bold move. Currently holding the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, Boston knows there’s little room for error down the stretch.
If they want more than just a playoff appearance, if they want to make real noise, reinforcements are needed before the March 6 trade deadline. And one name that keeps surfacing is the $36 million Canucks winger.
Boston Bruins Linked to $36 Million Canucks Forward
The Bruins are reportedly zeroing in on Conor Garland of the Vancouver Canucks. He is wrapping up the final season of his previous deal. However, he recently signed a six-year, $36 million extension that kicks in next season, carrying a $6 million annual cap hit. That long-term control makes him especially attractive to teams looking beyond just this spring.
With Vancouver’s season spiraling and the club sitting at the bottom of the standings, the Canucks have shifted into seller mode. And among their movable pieces, Garland appears increasingly likely to go.
One NHL source put it plainly: “I’m told it’s much more likely Garland gets dealt rather than Boeser, and the Bruins are right there.”
Boston’s interest isn’t new. The Bruins reportedly checked in on Garland around American Thanksgiving, though discussions didn’t progress at the time.
“It’s no secret that Don Sweeney has been interested in Garland for a while, and he’s still trying to see if something works there,” a Western Conference pro scout said.
However, Boston isn’t alone. NHL insider Jimmy Murphy recently noted the Bruins are facing significant competition for Garland’s services. “Just got another call on this, and let’s say the #NHLBruins have plenty of competition on Conor Garland,” he wrote on X.
Several teams are believed to be in the mix. Including the Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, and Utah Mammoth.
Garland has 26 points in 48 games this season, but his value extends beyond raw numbers. He plays with an edge, forechecks hard, and contributes at both ends. Garland could fit on Boston’s second line alongside Casey Mittelstadt and Pavel Zacha. And also help on both special teams units.
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The Bruins have also been loosely linked to Canucks winger Brock Boeser. However, Boeser’s seven-year, $50.75 million contract complicates matters from a cap perspective, making Garland’s deal the more manageable option.
Next up, the Bruins face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday. Behind the scenes, though, the real battle may be unfolding in trade discussions.
