The Edmonton Oilers know where they need help-and it’s no secret that depth scoring is high on the priority list. That's a sentiment echoed by multiple NHL insiders, who suggest the front office is aligned on the need to bolster the bottom half of the lineup. But with the trade deadline approaching, the question isn't just who they should target-it’s also who they’re wise to pass on.
One recent name off the board? Kiefer Sherwood.
The 30-year-old winger was dealt last week from the Vancouver Canucks to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for two second-round picks and prospect Cole Clayton. On paper, Sherwood checks a lot of boxes: he’s been a productive top-nine forward, bringing both scoring touch and a heavy, physical presence.
Over the past season and a half with Vancouver, he put up 63 points (36 goals, 27 assists) in 122 games-solid numbers for a player in his role. His physicality has also been a standout, ranking near the top of the league in hits over the last two seasons.
For a team like Edmonton, looking to add grit and finishing ability beyond their top six, Sherwood could’ve made a lot of sense. He fits stylistically, and his game would likely complement the Oilers’ high-end skill up front. But general manager Stan Bowman ultimately stayed out of the bidding-and that might end up being the right call.
The trade price wasn’t outrageous-two second-rounders and a prospect is a fair market value for a player with Sherwood’s resume. But the bigger concern lies in what comes next.
Sherwood is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and according to insider Chris Johnston, his reported asking price is steep: a long-term deal worth around $30 million. That breaks down to somewhere between $6 million annually over five years or a lower cap hit of $3.75 million stretched over eight years.
Either way, it’s a significant jump from his current $1.5 million AAV. And while Sherwood has earned a raise, that kind of commitment-especially for a 30-year-old power forward with a grinding style-comes with real risk. Players who rely on physicality tend to wear down faster, and committing big dollars over a long term could become a cap headache down the road.
That’s where the Oilers’ restraint looks smart. Sherwood may have been a good fit on the ice, but the financial implications could’ve tied Edmonton’s hands in the seasons to come. The Oilers have the flexibility and assets to make a move before the March 6 trade deadline, and with cap space expected to open up, they’re still in a strong position to add the right piece-without overextending on someone who might not age well into a big contract.
In the end, this wasn’t a case of the Oilers missing out. It was a calculated decision to stay patient. And with the playoff race heating up, that patience could pay off in a bigger way down the line.