Conor Garland was absent from the ice during the pre-game warmup for tonight’s preseason matchup between the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers. It has been reported that he was a last-minute scratch.
Garland practiced all week and was a full participant in today’s morning skate. Head coach Rick Tocchet had previously indicated that the morning skate lineups would reflect those used in the game against the Oilers, so the reason for Garland’s scratch remains unclear.
This absence could mean several things. Given that Garland was a full participant this morning, it’s unlikely that he’s injured. However, it’s possible that he’s dealing with a minor injury or illness, something not worth risking in a preseason game. If he is, in fact, injured, it would be another setback for the Canucks’ forward group, which is already missing Joshua and Suter, a group looking to build consistency early in the 2024 season.
Garland played a significant role in Vancouver’s offence last season, scoring 20 goals and recording 47 points while playing alongside Joshua and Blueger for most of the year. Their line was one of the most dominant third lines in the NHL, and Garland is expected to continue that success this season with the same linemates.
The 28-year-old Massachusetts native is entering his fourth season with the Canucks, with two years remaining on the five-year, $24.75 million contract he signed in July 2021. Garland has accumulated 56 goals and 145 points over 240 games with Vancouver and is coming off a career-best 20-goal campaign in 2023-24.
Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet will presumably have an update on Garland’s status following the conclusion of tonight’s game. Following their final preseason game against the Oilers tonight, the Canucks will open the regular season with their home opener against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday.
More to come.
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