Connor Garland Gives Bittersweet Statement on Quinn Hughes

Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

The NHL is still processing the blockbuster trade between the Vancouver Canucks and Minnesota Wild with Quinn Hughes heading to St.Paul, Connor Garland was asked about if his decision to sign in Vancouver was due to his belief that Hughes would be there long term.

Garland’s response could be seen as good and bad if you dissect certain pieces, Garland has struggled with injuries this year during this tough season for the Canucks.

“Injuries have been a big issue for Vancouver’s 2025-26 season, with several prominent names currently on the sidelines including Filip Chytil, Teddy Blueger and Thatcher Demko, with Conor Garland also missing a handful of games at the end of October and one in November following a fight with Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh.”-Jaxon

Connor Garland gives controversial statement on his contract decison.

Taj on X posted Garland’s response, stating he didn’t sign because of Hughes, even though he did expect him to stay.

Garland: So it’s not like I was just signing on because of my friend. I’d love for him to still be here, but that’s not the case. Did I think it was going to happen this soon? Probably not. But if I could go back, I’d still sign because I believed in the direction at that time

Does that last phrase of the quote mean Garland no longer believes in what the Canucks are trying to do? Has the locker room lost hope in building in a winning culture in Vancouver? It would be hard to criticize the players if that were the case, it doesn’t appear the Canucks management have a clear vision on where they are headed. Trading your captain and best player doesn’t exactly inspire confidence toward the rest of the team.

Garland is a key player to the Canucks, even more so now that Hughes is gone. With some young talent coming with Zeev Biuum, Marco Rossi and Liam Ohmgren, Garland will need to provide leadership to them, to maximize their performance. Let’s just hope Garland hasn’t completely lost hope in the team just yet.

Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily

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Connor Garland Gives Bittersweet Statement on his good friend Quinn Hughes leaving the Vancouver Canucks

Does it appear that Connor Garland has lost hope in the Vancouver Canucks?