The Vancouver Canucks experienced a brief moment of concern during their morning skate last Friday, ahead of their final preseason game against the Edmonton Oilers, when forward Conor Garland was unexpectedly scratched from the lineup. Head coach Rick Tocchet addressed Garland’s absence following the game, explaining that Garland had suffered a minor tweak during the skate. However, Tocchet emphasized that Garland could have played if it were necessary but chose to hold him out as a precaution.
“He tweaked something this morning,” Tocchet said. “He could have played if he had to, but why risk it? I didn’t want to chance it.” Tocchet’s decision to rest Garland underscores the importance of preserving key players ahead of the regular season.
Garland himself addressed the situation during a media session on Tuesday, prior to the season opener against the Calgary Flames. He confirmed that the injury was minor and nothing to worry about, expressing his eagerness to return to action. “I just had something happen during the morning skate. I mean, it was nothing. I wanted to play. Regular season game, any game of the year, I’m playing. It [was] just a preseason game, [the] last one, there’s no need. It was probably the right decision, I’m just glad I’m playing tomorrow,” Garland reassured the media, indicating his readiness for the season ahead.
At 28, Garland is coming off his second-best season with the Canucks, where he registered 20 goals and 27 assists, totaling 47 points with a plus-19 rating. Throughout much of the season, he played alongside Dakota Joshua and Teddy Blueger. However, with both Joshua and Blueger sidelined during training camp and the preseason, Garland found himself paired with Nils Höglander, a linemate he spoke highly of.
“He’s a fantastic player,” Garland said about Höglander. “He’s fast, hard to knock off the puck, plays under people, and can score. [I’m] very excited about playing with him.” Garland added that while the centre position for their line was still undecided, the focus remained on maintaining their aggressive forechecking and playing their style of hockey. “I don’t even know who our centre is. We just want to get in on the forecheck, play to our style of hockey, and grind teams out. I think we can be a good line for us,” he said.
Aatu Räty, the standout performer from the preseason, centered Garland and Höglander for much of training camp. Although Tocchet has yet to finalize the third-line centre for opening night, Garland praised Räty’s abilities. “[He’s a] cerebral player, makes plays off the rush, really good in the faceoff [dot], not overly tall but pretty heavy; kind of your prototypical centre,” Garland explained.
As Garland prepares for his fourth season in Vancouver, he expressed excitement and anticipation for the year ahead, saying, “We’re excited, can’t wait. Kind of been in this mode for a while now. The fun’s just starting.” With Garland healthy and ready to contribute, the Canucks are poised to kick off the new season with confidence.
