Report: Canucks Poised to Ink Conor Garland to $36M Extension
CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal reported Thursday that Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland is on the verge of finalizing a contract extension.
Add Garland to the growing list of those in Vancouver expressing gratitude with a “Thank you, Jim!” — a nod to team president Jim Rutherford.
According to Dhaliwal, Garland is expected to agree to a six-year, $36 million extension with the Canucks. Dhaliwal is well-connected within NHL circles, making his reports highly credible.
“Sounds like the Conor Garland extension in Vancouver could be 6 years and $36 million,” Dhaliwal tweeted on June 27, 2025.
Although the deal is reportedly in place, the Canucks can’t officially announce it until the free agency window opens on July 1, since Garland still has a year remaining on his current contract, which has a cap hit of $4.95 million for the upcoming season. The new deal would take effect starting with the 2026–27 campaign.
This will be at least the second time Garland has had a “Jim” to thank in Vancouver — the first being former GM Jim Benning, who acquired him in a trade during the summer of 2021 and later signed him to his current contract.
Since joining the team, Garland has thrived in Vancouver. The Massachusetts native has posted 197 points over four seasons and has become a fan favorite thanks to his relentless energy and commitment on the ice.
The six-year extension will carry Garland through to age 36. He was previously set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025–26 season.
The phrase “Thank you Jim” traces back to former Sportsnet 650 host James Cybulski, who coined it while defending Jim Benning’s efforts during the turbulent 2020–21 season. Though Benning’s tenure ended with his firing in December 2021, some of his decisions — like acquiring Garland — have had lasting impacts.
