Trade Breakdown: Sharks Land Sherwood, Canucks Cash In on Picks
Another day, another Pacific Division trade. This time, it’s the San Jose Sharks making a move to bolster their lineup, acquiring forward Kiefer Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks.
In return, Vancouver picks up a pair of second-round draft picks and minor-league forward Jack Clayton. Let’s break down what this means for both clubs - on the ice and down the road.
San Jose Sharks: Betting on the Present Without Mortgaging the Future
For a team that finished dead last just a season ago, the Sharks have been one of the more surprising stories of the year. They’re hanging around the playoff bubble - not comfortably, but enough to justify a move like this. General Manager Mike Grier is sending a message: this group has earned the right to compete.
Sherwood isn’t your typical rental. He’s a hard-nosed winger who brings a rare blend of physicality and scoring touch.
Since the start of last season, he’s been producing at a 24-goal pace over 82 games - and doing it while throwing more hits than anyone else in the league. Last year, he set an NHL record with 462 hits.
This season, he’s already second in the league with 210. That’s not just grit - that’s game-changing physicality.
What makes Sherwood even more valuable is that he’s not just a battering ram. He’s shown flashes of solid hands, a decent shot, and enough passing skill to play alongside top young talent.
A potential line with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith? That’s a trio that could be as fun as it is effective - youth, skill, and sandpaper all in one.
Yes, there’s some risk here. Sherwood is currently on injured reserve, but the expectation is he’ll be ready to go after the Olympic break.
And while there’s no extension in place yet, the Sharks are projected to have a staggering $53.7 million in cap space this offseason. If things go well, there’s plenty of room to keep him around.
If not, they could flip him again before the March 6 trade deadline and recoup assets - especially if he returns healthy and productive.
From an asset management standpoint, giving up two second-rounders is a reasonable price. The Sharks are deep in prospects and still hold two first-round picks in 2026 (their own and Edmonton’s), plus Colorado’s second-rounder that year. This move doesn’t compromise their long-term flexibility.
Grade: B+
Vancouver Canucks: A Solid Return, Even If It Could’ve Been More
From Vancouver’s perspective, this is a deal that makes sense - even if it leaves a little room for “what if.” Sherwood’s game is tailor-made for playoff hockey: physical, relentless, and capable of chipping in offensively. Add in his $1.5 million cap hit, and he was the kind of player who could’ve drawn widespread interest as the deadline approached.
Could the Canucks have squeezed out a first-round pick by waiting a few more weeks and letting the market heat up? Maybe.
But that’s a gamble in itself. Sherwood’s value is unique, and there aren’t many direct comparables.
The closest recent deal might be Tyler Toffoli going from New Jersey to Winnipeg in 2024 for a second and a third. Compared to that, Vancouver did just fine.
The two second-round picks they’re getting could end up being quite valuable, too. The Sharks are far from a lock to make the playoffs this year or next, so those selections could land in the upper-middle part of the round - a sweet spot for finding NHL-caliber talent.
As for Jack Clayton, the 25-year-old minor leaguer is more of a throw-in than a key piece. This trade is all about the picks.
Grade: B-
The Bottom Line
This is a classic case of two teams operating from very different positions but both walking away with something to like. The Sharks are rewarding their roster and giving themselves a chance to make some noise, while the Canucks are stacking future assets without taking on salary or long-term risk.
Sherwood’s blend of edge and offense could be a game-changer for San Jose - especially if he finds chemistry with their young core. For Vancouver, it’s a calculated move that keeps them flexible and forward-thinking.
Stay tuned. If Sherwood comes back healthy and hits the ground running, this deal could look even better for the Sharks. If not, well, they’ve still got options.