Five Years On: The Ekman-Larsson/Garland Trade Haunts Canucks Fans

July 23, 2021, stands as a dark day in Vancouver Canucks history, marking the moment when then-general manager Jim Benning orchestrated a trade that would soon be labeled one of the franchise’s worst. In a bid to bolster both the defense and scoring depth, the Canucks acquired Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Conor Garland from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for Loui Eriksson, Jay Beagle, Antoine Roussel, and multiple draft picks, including a first-rounder in 2021.

At the time of the trade, the Canucks were reeling from a disappointing season that saw them miss the playoffs. Benning viewed this deal as an opportunity to revitalize the roster. However, the aftermath of this trade has proven disastrous for the organization. Ekman-Larsson struggled significantly during his tenure in Vancouver, leading to a buyout in the 2023 off-season. This decision not only impacted the team’s salary cap but also resulted in a dead cap penalty that will linger until 2031.

Garland’s time with the Canucks presented a somewhat brighter narrative. Over five seasons, he registered 221 points in 371 games and played a key role in the Canucks’ playoff run in 2024. Yet, despite his contributions, Garland was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets last season, marking the end of his chapter in Vancouver.

The Canucks’ miscalculation is further underscored by the performance of Dylan Guenther, the player selected with the first-round pick they relinquished in the trade. Guenther has quickly risen to prominence in the NHL, amassing 183 points in just 227 games and recently wrapping up his first 40-goal season. The Canucks not only missed out on Guenther but also passed on other potential stars like Cole Sillinger and Matthew Coronato, as they were relegated to waiting until the 41st overall pick to make their next selection.

This trade has resulted in a trifecta of woes for the Canucks: a significant buyout, discord within the locker room, and the painful sight of a promising prospect flourishing elsewhere. While it may not be the absolute worst deal in franchise history, the Ekman-Larsson/Garland trade undoubtedly remains a glaring blemish five years later.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.