Conor Garland Bio
Conor Garland is an American professional ice hockey winger for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on March 11, 1996, in Scituate, Massachusetts, he was drafted in the fifth round (123rd overall) by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Before joining the NHL, Garland garnered recognition in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) while playing for the Moncton Wildcats, where he was named the league’s Most Valuable Player and earned All-Star honors. Following a successful tenure with the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Tucson Roadrunners, he debuted in the NHL, establishing himself as a valuable player with the Coyotes before being traded to the Canucks, where he signed a multi-year contract extension.
Early Life and Background
Conor Garland was born in Scituate, Massachusetts, to parents Bridget and Garry. His father was a collegiate ice hockey player, which likely influenced Garland’s early interest in the sport. He began skating at the age of four and attended skating clinics run by Michael Botticelli. Growing up in Massachusetts, he played youth ice hockey with Boston Mission and Team Massachusetts. Garland later attended Shattuck-Saint Mary’s, a prestigious boarding school in Minnesota, where he recorded an impressive 116 points in 52 games during his time there.
Path to Hockey
After being cut from the bantam team at age 14 due to his height, Garland joined the Boston Junior Bruins of the Empire Junior Hockey League for the 2011–12 season. He excelled, recording 94 points in 40 games, which led to his selection in the sixth round of the 2012 QMJHL draft by the Moncton Wildcats. During the 2014–15 season with the Wildcats, Garland led both the QMJHL and Canadian Hockey League in scoring with 129 points, earning him the Michel Brière Memorial Trophy as the league’s most valuable player. This performance caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
Conor Garland Career
Early Career (2016–2021)
Garland signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes on December 23, 2015, while still playing junior hockey. He was assigned to the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, for the 2016–17 season, where he recorded his first professional goal on December 2, 2016. After a successful stint in the AHL, he earned his first NHL call-up on December 3, 2018, and made his NHL debut on December 8, 2018. In his first season, he scored 13 goals and five assists in 47 games.
Breakthrough (2020–2021)
During the 2019–20 NHL season, Garland established himself as a key player for the Coyotes, leading the team in goals before suffering a lower-body injury. He finished the season with 22 goals and 17 assists for 39 points in 68 games. In June 2021, he was nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, recognizing his perseverance and dedication to the sport. On July 23, 2021, Garland was traded to the Vancouver Canucks, where he signed a five-year, $24.75 million contract extension prior to the start of the 2021–22 season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Conor Garland’s signature work includes his standout performances in the QMJHL and his impactful role with the Vancouver Canucks. He has received recognition for his scoring ability and work ethic, contributing significantly to his teams’ successes.
Conor Garland Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Conor Garland has received notable nominations, including the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which honors players who exemplify perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
Conor Garland Awards Won
Conor Garland has achieved significant milestones in his career, including being named the QMJHL Most Valuable Player and earning All-Star honors during his junior career. His contributions to the teams he has played for have been recognized through various accolades.
Conor Garland Family
Conor Garland is married to Meghan, and the couple welcomed their first child in 2024. Details about his parents and siblings are not publicly available, but his father’s background as a collegiate ice hockey player suggests a strong family connection to the sport.
Personal Life
Conor Garland maintains a relatively private personal life. He and his wife, Meghan, are enjoying their new role as parents. Garland continues to focus on his professional career while balancing family life.
