When the San Jose Sharks made the move to bring in Kiefer Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks, the hockey world took notice - and not just because of the price tag. Two second-round picks and defenseman Cole Clayton is a significant haul for a player who, while having a standout season, is also set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer.
So naturally, the question on everyone’s mind: Is Sherwood a rental, or is this the start of a long-term relationship?
As things stand, it’s complicated. According to reports, negotiations between Sherwood’s camp and the Sharks haven’t exactly been smooth sailing. There’s a notable gap between what San Jose believes Sherwood’s next contract should look like and what the 30-year-old winger - and his agent - think he’s earned.
And to be fair, Sherwood’s got a case. He’s in the midst of a career year, already lighting the lamp 17 times in just 44 games.
That kind of production, especially from a player who brings energy, physicality, and versatility to the lineup, doesn’t go unnoticed. Word is, Sherwood is eyeing a long-term deal that could push up to $30 million.
For a Sharks team in transition, that’s a big decision to weigh.
The front office, led by GM Mike Grier, clearly sees value in Sherwood’s game - otherwise, they wouldn’t have paid the price to get him. But whether they see him as a core piece moving forward or a valuable asset to flip before the deadline remains to be seen.
That forward logjam in San Jose? It’s real.
And how Grier chooses to navigate it will say a lot about the direction this team is taking.
Meanwhile, scouts around the league are high on Sherwood. Some believe he could “help 32 teams,” which speaks volumes about the kind of impact player he’s become. That kind of league-wide interest could turn into leverage for Sherwood in negotiations - or trade value, if talks stall and the Sharks decide to recoup assets.
Elsewhere in San Jose, the team’s roster remains in flux. The Sharks recently waived veteran defenseman Nick Leddy, signaling a continued reshaping of the blue line.
They’re reportedly open to both buying and selling at the deadline, and are listening on all their pending UFA defensemen. At the same time, they’re in the market for young, NHL-ready talent.
One name that’s popped up? Rangers blueliner Braden Schneider.
The Sharks’ future is clearly top of mind. Prospects like Quentin Musty and Luca Cagnoni continue to draw attention, and there’s a growing sense that Musty, in particular, could be NHL-ready as soon as next season. Add in the emergence of Macklin Celebrini - who’s not just holding his own, but entering MVP conversations - and there’s a foundation forming in the Bay Area.
But building a contender takes more than just hope and high-end prospects. It takes smart cap management, savvy trades, and hitting on the right veterans to guide the youth movement. Whether Sherwood becomes one of those veterans remains to be seen.
For now, the Sharks are walking a fine line between rebuilding and competing. And Sherwood? He’s right at the heart of that balancing act.