NHL: Vancouver Canucks at Arizona Coyotes - Source: Imagn — Canucks HC Rick Tocchet on Conor Garland's preseason absence (Source: Imagn)

Canucks HC Rick Tocchet explains the reason behind Connor Garland’s late scratch vs Oilers

Modified Oct 05, 2024 11:02 GMT

The Vancouver Canucks played their preseason finale against the Edmonton Oilers on Friday without forward Conor Garland. Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet said Garland had a minor tweak early Friday morning.

Although he could have played, Garland chose to sit out to start the season in full health.

“He tweaked something this morning,” Tocchet said per canucksarmy.com, “He could have played if he had to, but, why? I didn’t want to chance it.”

Garland joined Vancouver before the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. He was traded from the Arizona Coyotes. The trade sent Antoine Roussel, Loui Eriksson, Jay Beagle, and several draft picks to Arizona. Along with Garland, defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson also came to Vancouver.

Last season, he finished with 20 goals and 47 points. He helped form one of the best third lines in the league with Dakota Joshua and Teddy Blueger. Their energy and teamwork were crucial for the Canucks.

With Joshua recovering from cancer surgery and Blueger out due to offseason surgery, Garland has had to adjust. This preseason, he has found good chemistry with Nils Hoglander and Aatu Raty, who has impressed many. Tocchet praised the trio and noted how Garland helped lead the line.

After missing the game against the Oilers, Garland has five days to recover. The Vancouver Canucks will begin their season against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Arena.

The team is excited to see how Garland's new chemistry with Hoglander and Raty plays out in the regular season. For now, they hope Garland's absence was just a precaution, and he will be ready to help the team succeed.

Canucks forward Dakota Joshua to attend grand opening after cancer surgery

Dakota Joshua will appear publicly for the first time since sharing his testicular cancer diagnosis. He will attend the grand opening of Pastime Sports & Games in North Vancouver on Saturday. Fans can meet him, get autographs, and take photos.

Joshua is recovering from surgery to remove a cancerous lump but remains important to the team. In June, he signed a four-year contract worth $3.25 million per year.

Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet noted that Joshua will join the team on their upcoming four-game road trip.

“You know, I want him around,” Tocchet said (via canucksarmy.com). "...He’s a huge part of our team."

Joshua has shown he can be a reliable player over the past two seasons. Although he hasn’t participated in training camp yet, Tocchet believes having Joshua around will lift team spirits.