The Blue Jackets need the version of Conor Garland they traded for

Union and Blue argues that the Columbus Blue Jackets need forward Conor Garland to break out of his prolonged slump and justify his significant contract. After joining the team from Vancouver at the previous trade deadline, Garland went scoreless across 12 games in October 2026. He finally recorded his first point of the season with an assist on an Ivan Provorov goal against the Colorado Avalanche.

The writer notes that Garland began the first year of a six-year, $36 million contract extension carrying a $6 million annual cap hit. Struan McNevan highlights that Columbus requires far greater offensive production from the winger given his salary and prominent role, suggesting increased roster competition and tactical fits under coach Rick Bowness have contributed to his slow start.