Of course.
As a member of the Vancouver Canucks, Conor Garland couldn’t buy a goal. It’s part of why he returned so little in a trade.
Garland’s last goal as a member of the Canucks was on Dec. 16, an empty-net goal at Madison Square Garden in New York. The last goal he scored with a goaltender in the net was Nov. 26 in Anaheim.
The last time he scored a goal in front of Canucks fans at Rogers Arena was four months ago, ironically against his new team, the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Something about Columbus must agree with Garland, because he has bumped his slump in a big way.
Welcome to Columbus, Conor Garland ☝️ pic.twitter.com/6DbvnQMJaL
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 9, 2026
After a quiet Blue Jackets debut, Garland erupted for two goals in his second game in Columbus, playing on a line with Kent Johnson and Sean Monahan.
Garland scored his first goal after receiving a brilliant pass from Monahan, who found the former Canuck while falling down. His second goal of the game came on a two-on-one, where Garland picked a corner, beating Los Angeles Kings goalie Anton Forsberg.
TWO goals for Conor Garland pic.twitter.com/Sabz8T4spx
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) March 9, 2026
Garland was experiencing a down year in Vancouver, scoring just 26 points (7-19-26) in 50 games. It put him on pace for his worst offensive output since the Canucks acquired him in 2021.
The 29-year-old winger said the trade was unexpected. He flew with the Canucks to Chicago, only packing enough clothes for a two-game road trip. He says Max Sasson, who has been living rent-free at his house in Vancouver, is in charge of sending him his stuff.
“He didn’t have to pay rent this year, so his payment will be he has to pack up some stuff for me and send it out,” Garland said.