Trade talks heat up immensely as Canucks and Islanders are engaged in intense negotiations
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Hunter Bowman
Mar 3, 2026 (4:10 PM)
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Photo credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
The trade winds are howling on Long Island. With the March 6 deadline just three days away, general manager Mathieu Darche is reportedly engaged in intense negotiations with the Vancouver Canucks, and a familiar name is at the center of the storm.
According to Islanders insider Stefen Rosner, serious discussions are currently underway between the two front offices.
The primary target for New York appears to be feisty winger Conor Garland, but the framework of the deal might be expanding.
Rosner noted that the trade could ultimately involve "Garland +," suggesting a much larger blockbuster is brewing.
There are serious discussions happening between #Isles & #Canucks.
Been told it's surrounding Garland. But was also told that it could be Garland +. We'll see how this plays out.
Been told it's surrounding Garland. But was also told that it could be Garland +. We'll see how this plays out.
For head coach Patrick Roy, adding a player of Garland's caliber would provide an immediate "bump" to a lineup starved for consistent 5-on-5 offensive output.
The 29-year-old winger is known for his relentless motor, exceptional edge work, and "solid execution" in the dirty areas of the ice.
New York Islanders ready to make strong push
The Canucks are clearly in a transition phase under GM Patrik Allvin. If Vancouver is adding another piece alongside Garland's $4.95 million cap hit, it likely means the Islanders are sending significant draft capital or a high-end prospect back to the Pacific Northwest.
New York is currently third in the Metro Division and hoping for a strong playoff push. Lamoriello knows that a minor tweak won't be enough to survive the Metropolitan Division race.
Acquiring a package deal would offer a "clean slate" for the Islanders' middle-six, drastically improving their transition game and depth scoring.
Whether the "plus" is a depth defenseman or another bottom-six forward, the Islanders are clearly going all-in. The clock is ticking rapidly toward Friday's 3:00 PM cutoff, and the hockey world is waiting to see if Lamoriello can pull off another deadline shocker.
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