And then there were two.
Vancouver Canucks right winger Conor Garland was expected to play Sunday against the Edmonton Oilers. However, he didn’t take the warm-up skate at Rogers Place and was replaced by Mackenzie MacEachern on a fourth-line alignment with Joseph LaBate and Nils Aman for the pre-season test.
With left winger Nils Hoglander out three to four weeks with an ankle injury sustained against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday in Abbotsford, the Canucks are suddenly down a pair of veterans. And while they didn’t initially update Garland’s injury status, head coach Adam Foote said last week the 29-year-old was dealing with a “minor issue”.
It might not be a stretch to suggest a slight strain of some sort, perhaps a groin, which is common in the pre-season as players try to get up to speed.
U.S. forward Conor Garland raises world championship trophy May 25 after 1-0 overtime win over Switzerland.
“He was supposed to play tomorrow night (Sept. 24),” Foote told reporters when Garland missed practice the previous day. “If we were playing a home opener, he would be playing. I’m a big believer with the condensed Olympic year. We want to make sure we do the right thing with maintenance.”
Adversity stuck to Garland like gum to a shoe because in a big man’s game it’s difficult for any 5-foot-8 dynamo to measure up. Fast forward and a six-year, $36-million US extension on July 1 was proof the journey is the adventure for the 29-year-old hockey lifer, driver and survivor.
Garland had 50 points (19-31) in 81 games last season.
“When the (extension) opportunity came, it was a no-brainer,” said Garland. “I’ve been there a long time and have great relationships with people on the team and staff. I enjoy playing there and believe in our management staff and coaches and the group. We’re going to continue to get better.
“We had that big playoff run (2024) and had a taste of winning, and it’s an addictive feeling. Last year carried a lot of noise. We dealt with injuries right from the start and a lot of top players got hurt. We just couldn’t get healthy. We’re a pretty good club and a confident group.”