Get ready for some exciting hockey news! The Islanders are making big moves, and it's got everyone talking.
According to Stefen Rosner of NHL.com, the Islanders are in serious talks to bring in winger Conor Garland from the Canucks. But here's where it gets controversial... Tyler Myers, a defenseman, could also be part of the deal, but it depends on whether he's willing to waive his no-movement clause. This clause has been a major hold-up in the negotiations, especially since Myers was recently benched by the Canucks due to injury concerns.
The Islanders aren't the only team interested in Garland. Other Eastern Conference playoff contenders, like the Bruins and Senators, are also in the mix. However, Rosner's report suggests that the Islanders have taken the lead, even though the deal isn't finalized yet.
General Manager Mathieu Darche has been open to trading a first-round pick to acquire players with long-term contracts. After adding Ondrej Palat and Carson Soucy before the Olympic break, the Isles are looking to strengthen their lineup further.
The team has shown resilience despite early-season setbacks, including season-ending injuries to key players Alexander Romanov and Kyle Palmieri. Soucy and Palat stepped up as affordable replacements, and the Isles have since gone on a winning streak, boosting their playoff chances significantly.
Darche wants to reward his team's determination and is willing to invest in improving their offense, which currently ranks 21st in the league with 2.92 goals per game.
Conor Garland could be the perfect addition to boost their forward corps. With a six-year, $36MM extension already signed, he's not just a short-term rental. He provides immediate impact this season and becomes a valuable asset for the future, especially if the Islanders struggle to re-sign pending UFAs Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau.
However, there are concerns about Garland's performance this season. His struggles could be attributed to playing for a last-place team in Vancouver, but his shooting percentage has dropped significantly, resulting in only seven goals through 49 games.
Despite this, Garland has been consistently solid between 2019 and 2025, with an average points-per-game rate between 0.57 and 0.68. Last season, he almost set career highs in goals and points.
As for Myers, he's not a long-term solution either, but he could provide a short-term upgrade over Scott Mayfield. While Mayfield has better overall stats this season, Myers has faced a more challenging workload and deployment.
If the Islanders acquire both players, they may need to move out a contract, possibly winger Anthony Duclair, who might have to waive his no-trade clause.
So, what do you think? Are the Islanders making the right moves? Will Conor Garland and Tyler Myers be the missing pieces for a successful playoff run? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
