The Blue Jackets' decision to acquire this former Canucks forward is already benefiting them.
The Columbus Blue Jackets made a notable trade leading up to the deadline, as they acquired forward Conor Garland from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick.
The Blue Jackets' decision to bring in Garland was understandable. With the Blue Jackets being in the playoff race, they were in a position to upgrade their forward group with a solid winger like Garland. This is especially so when noting that Garland will also be more than a rental, as his six-year, $36 million contract extension does not kick in until next season.
Now, with April almost here, it is clear that the Blue Jackets' decision to acquire Garland is already paying off for both the team and the player.
The change of scenery has certainly provided Garland with a boost, as he has been off to a strong start with the Blue Jackets. In nine games with the Metropolitan Division club so far this season, he has five goals, six points, and a plus-1 rating. This is after he had seven goals and 26 points in 50 games this season with the Canucks before the trade. With this, Garland has been regaining his scoring touch with Columbus, which is certainly good news for the Blue Jackets.
Garland will now be looking to continue to impress as the Blue Jackets aim to make the playoffs. So far, he has been off to a good start with Columbus, and it will be intriguing to see how he builds on it from here.