Conor Garland's resurfaced in the rumor mill after it was reported he changed agents and received permission from the Vancouver Canucks to speak with other teams.

Conor Garland has been a fixture in trade rumors since last season. Following Tuesday's rumor roundup on the Vancouver Canucks, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the 27-year-old winger received permission from the team to speak with other clubs.

Friedman's colleague Iain MacIntyre indicated Garland had recently changed agents. The Vancouver Province's Patrick Johnston reported a source claimed the two-way winger had been open for a trade for at least a year. Johnston also indicated Canucks GM Patrik Allvin and president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford had explored moving Garland since joining the club during the 2021-22 campaign.

Garland is signed through 2025-26 with an average annual value of $4.95 million. He also lacks no-trade protection, but his contract will be difficult to move him in a season where most teams have little cap space. TSN's Chris Johnston said the Canucks know they'll have to retain some salary to facilitate a deal.

For his part, Garland didn't deny the reports but claimed his focus is on this season. He's leaving the trade discussions to his new agent Judd Moldaver.

In his weekly “32 Thoughts” column, Friedman indicated that an injury to Carson Soucy has the Canucks “peeking at defense options.” Perhaps Garland will be used as trade bait to address that need, especially on the right side of their blueline.

Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli reported Tuesday the Columbus Blue Jackets are looking to move a defenseman. The Carolina Hurricanes also have a surplus of blueliners and could use some additional scoring punch. The Canucks have a recent trade history with the New York Islanders, who are also in need of more production up front.