Conor Garland Cleared to Play Thursday, Canucks Forward Aims for Consistent Production

Conor Garland (undisclosed) is set to play against the Stars on Thursday, according to David Quadrelli of Canucks Army. Garland is known for his consistency, having recorded 17-20 goals and 46-52 points in each of the past three seasons. In 2023-24, he finished with 20 goals, 27 assists, 35 PIM, 200 shots, and 53 hits, primarily serving in a third-line capacity, a role he is expected to maintain. His goal-scoring normalized in 2022-23, but with fewer shots, he posted 17 goals and 46 points. The 28-year-old winger has often been in a middle-six role with second-unit power-play time. In 2021-22, he achieved a career-high 52 points in 77 games with 19 goals, though his ice time and power-play usage (1:36 per game, 3 PP points) were mediocre. Traded to the Canucks from the Coyotes in July, he was projected for a top-six role and potential 60-plus points with a significant top power-play unit role. In 2019-20, he had 22 goals and 39 points in 68 games, with 10 power-play points, and was expected to crack 40 points in 2020-21. The 5-foot-10 right wing is a volume shooter, contributing 13 goals and 5 assists in 47 NHL games in 2018-19.