Jason Garrison, a Canadian defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey after playing college hockey at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Undrafted, Garrison's path to the NHL was unconventional, yet he managed to secure a contract with the Florida Panthers in 2008. His NHL debut came during the 2008-2009 season, where he gradually established himself as a reliable presence on the blue line.
Garrison's tenure with the Panthers saw him develop into a solid defenseman, known for his powerful slap shot and defensive capabilities. The 2011-2012 season marked a breakout year for him, as he scored 16 goals, setting a franchise record for most goals by a defenseman in a single season. This performance caught the attention of teams across the league, and in the summer of 2012, Garrison signed a six-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks.
In Vancouver, Garrison continued to be a steady force on defense. His offensive skills, particularly his shot from the point, were valuable assets to the Canucks' power play. Over two seasons with the team, he contributed both offensively and defensively, helping the Canucks reach the playoffs in 2013. However, in 2014, Garrison was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he would spend the next three seasons.
With the Lightning, Garrison played a crucial role in the team's defensive unit. His experience and leadership were vital during Tampa Bay's deep playoff runs, including their journey to the Stanley Cup Final in 2015. Although the Lightning fell short of winning the championship, Garrison's performance was commendable throughout the playoffs.
In 2017, the Vegas Golden Knights selected Garrison in the NHL Expansion Draft. As part of the inaugural roster, he brought veteran experience to the newly formed team. However, his time with the Golden Knights was brief, and he spent much of the season in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Chicago Wolves, the Golden Knights' affiliate.
Garrison returned to the NHL briefly with the Edmonton Oilers in the 2018-2019 season, where he played a handful of games before concluding his professional career. Throughout his time in the league, Garrison was known for his hard shot, defensive reliability, and professionalism on and off the ice.
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