The Boston Bruins are keeping an eye on reinforcements up front, and two names out of Vancouver have reportedly caught their attention: Kiefer Sherwood and Conor Garland.
According to league sources, the Bruins have reached out to the Canucks about both forwards, exploring options to add some scoring punch to a lineup that’s looking to stay competitive in a tight Eastern Conference race. The message is clear: Boston believes it's in the mix, but some added firepower could be the difference between simply staying afloat and making a real playoff push.
Let’s start with Sherwood. The 30-year-old winger is off to a strong start this season, tallying 12 goals and 16 points in 27 games while also racking up 110 hits.
That blend of scoring and physicality is exactly the kind of depth piece that fits Boston’s identity-hard-nosed, relentless, and tough to play against. He won’t be a top-line guy, but in a middle-six role, he could bring the kind of energy and finish that gives the Bruins another gear come spring.
And there’s another layer here-Sherwood’s contract status. He’s a pending unrestricted free agent, which could make him a more attainable short-term addition for a team that doesn’t want to mortgage the future but still wants to make a meaningful move. Add in the fact that Vancouver is currently sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, and it’s not hard to see why Sherwood might be available.
Then there’s Conor Garland. The Scituate, Massachusetts native has put together a solid campaign so far, with six goals and 15 points in 21 games and a plus-2 rating. Garland brings a different kind of game than Sherwood-less grit, more finesse-but he’d be a legitimate option for Boston’s top six, especially if the Bruins are looking to boost their offensive creativity.
But here’s the catch: sources indicate that Garland isn’t currently on the trade block. The Canucks aren’t actively shopping him, which complicates things for Boston. Garland’s value, combined with his consistent production and the fact that he’s under contract beyond this season, likely makes him a tougher get unless Vancouver’s stance changes.
So where does that leave Boston? Right now, Sherwood looks like the more realistic target.
He checks a lot of boxes-productive, physical, affordable, and potentially available. And for a Bruins team that’s already built on structure and defensive responsibility, adding a player like Sherwood could be a smart, low-risk way to inject some scoring depth without disrupting the core.
The Bruins aren’t blowing things up-they’re looking to fine-tune. And if they can land a piece like Sherwood, it might just be the kind of move that keeps them not just in the race, but firmly in the hunt.