The New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks both entered the 2025-26 NHL season with hopes of turning the corner. Instead, they’ve found themselves staring down the barrel of another disappointing campaign.
For the Rangers, it’s a particularly tough pill to swallow. Just two years removed from capturing the Presidents’ Trophy, this was supposed to be a team on the cusp of serious contention.
But instead of building on that momentum, they’ve yet to find their way back into the playoff picture.
A new head coach brought a fresh mindset and a renewed sense of optimism to start the season, and for a brief stretch, it looked like things might click. The Rangers flirted with playoff relevance early on, but the consistency just wasn’t there. Now, with the postseason slipping out of reach, the conversation in New York has shifted from pushing for a playoff berth to potentially hitting the reset button.
And that brings us to the trade chatter.
Earlier this season, the Rangers reportedly made a run at Vancouver forward Kiefer Sherwood. According to TSN’s Chris Johnston, New York put together a pretty compelling offer: a young player with pedigree and a second-round pick. But the Canucks said no.
That rejection says a lot about how Vancouver views Sherwood - not just as a trade chip, but as a player with real value in the current market. Johnston noted that if that kind of offer wasn’t enough to pry him loose, it likely means the Canucks are holding out for something bigger - potentially a first-round pick.
Sherwood, now 30, has quietly put together a solid season. Through 44 games, he’s netted 17 goals and chipped in six assists, good for 23 points.
He’s not going to light up the scoreboard every night, but he’s proven he can contribute offensively while bringing a physical edge that playoff-bound teams covet. Across his 309-game career, Sherwood’s posted 121 points - a 0.39 points-per-game pace - but his value often goes beyond the scoresheet.
He’s the kind of player who finishes his checks, sacrifices the body, and plays with a motor that doesn’t quit. In the bottom six, that kind of presence can tilt a playoff series.
Still, the price tag matters. If Vancouver is indeed asking for a first-round pick, that’s a steep ask for a player who projects as a depth piece on a contender.
Teams will have to weigh whether his blend of grit and secondary scoring is worth that kind of investment. But as the deadline draws closer, and desperation creeps in, it only takes one team to say yes.
With the Rangers likely pivoting to a seller’s mindset, it’s safe to say their pursuit of Sherwood is over. That opens the door for other suitors to step in - and there are plenty of them.
The Edmonton Oilers have been linked to several forwards as they look to shore up their depth, and Sherwood fits the mold. The Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, and Detroit Red Wings have also been mentioned as teams looking to strengthen their middle six.
As the 2026 Trade Deadline approaches, Sherwood’s name is going to come up - a lot. He may not be the flashiest player on the market, but he checks a lot of boxes for playoff-bound teams looking for that extra edge. And with Vancouver holding firm on their asking price, the Sherwood sweepstakes could heat up fast.
For now, the Rangers seem content to regroup and reassess. But for the Canucks - and the teams circling Sherwood - the clock is ticking.