Vancouver Canucks lock up Conor Garland on a five-year deal - Nucks Misconduct

The Vancouver Canucks have been busy on the eve of NHL free agency.

They began the day by buying out the final year of Braden Holtby’s contract. Hardly an hour later, the club officially announced that they’ve signed Conor Garland to a five-year extension with an average annual value of $4.95 million.

Here’s how the deal breaks down in terms of actual salary per season, according to CapFriendly.

• Year 1: $3.75 million
• Year 2: $4 million
• Year 3: $6 million
• Year 4: $6 million
• Year 5: $5 million

The signing comes four days after Vancouver traded for Garland from the Arizona Coyotes in a blockbuster deal. It also comes the day before the beginning of free agency, where Garland could have signed an offer sheet on the open market.

The 25-year-old winger was arguably the Coyotes’ best skater last season, finishing with a team-leading 27 even-strength points. His 2.37 even-strength points is a bonafide first-line rate, and the only Canuck to best that mark last season was Elias Pettersson (2.46).

Although his average annual value of $4.95 million is potentially higher than pundits might have expected, the deal does take Garland through his prime, with the contract expiring when he’s 30 years old. That means the Canucks have bought three of his UFA years up with this deal.

If Garland continues on his trajectory of being a thorn-in-your-side, high motor player who can put up 60+ points a year, this contract could be a steal for the Canucks.

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Vancouver Canucks lock up Conor Garland on a five-year deal - Nucks Misconduct
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