Career
Before playing in the NHL, Garon played parts of three seasons with the Victoriaville Tigres of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He had a successful time with the Tigres. He was awarded the Jacques Plante Memorial Trophy for being the best goaltender in the QMJHL. He was also named as the CHL Goaltender of the Year and was selected to the QMJHL First All-Star Team and CHL First All-Star team.
He was drafted 44th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1996 NHL entry draft. He was immediately sent down to play for their AHL-affiliates Fredericton Canadiens and Quebec Citadelles. On October 6, 2000, the Canadiens called him up and Garon made his NHL debut, stopping 18 of 21 shots in an 8–4 loss against the New Jersey Devils. He continued to split his time playing for both the Canadiens and their AHL-affiliates. On August 1, 2001, Garon signed a one-year contract to stay with the Canadiens. On August 2, 2002, Garon signed a one-year contract to stay with the Canadiens and then signed a two-year, $1 million extension on February 28, 2003.
On June 26, 2004, the Canadiens traded Garon along with a 2004 third-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Radek Bonk and Cristobal Huet. The NHL named Garon as the Defensive Player of the Month for the month of December 2005. On July 17, 2006, Garon signed a one-year contract to stay with the Canadiens.
On July 3, 2007, Garon signed a two-year, $2.2 million contract to join the Edmonton Oilers. During his time in Edmonton, Garon split playing time alongside Dwayne Roloson. During his first season with the Oilers, Garon finished with a record with 26—18 record, posting a 2.66 goals against average and a .913 save percentage.
On January 29, 2009, the Oilers traded Garon to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Dany Sabourin, Ryan Stone, and a 2011 fourth-round draft pick. During his time with the Penguins, Garon was the backup goaltender to Marc-André Fleury. He helped the Penguins when they went on a run in the playoffs. They defeated the Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, and Carolina Hurricanes. They went on to defeat the Detroit Red Wings four games to three in the Final to win the first Stanley Cup in Hurricanes franchise history. During Game 5 of the Finals, Fleury let in 5 goals and was pulled in favour of Garon.
On July 1, 2009, Garon signed a two-year, $2.4 million contract to join the Columbus Blue Jackets. On January 11, 2010, the NHL named Garon as their Third Star of the Week. On November 8, the NHL named Garon as their Second Star of the Week.
On July 1, 2011, Garon signed a two-year, $2.6 million contract to join the Tampa Bay Lightning. He played parts of two seasons with the Lightning.
Garon retired from playing professional ice hockey in 2014.
Canada