The Vancouver Canucks are actively working with Kiefer Sherwood’s camp to find a trade partner, even as the forward recovers from an upper-body injury that’s sidelined him for the past three games. Despite the setback, Sherwood remains one of the most intriguing names on the trade market - and for good reason.
At 30 years old, Sherwood is putting together the best season of his career. Through 44 games, he’s tallied 17 goals and 23 points, leading the Canucks in goals scored.
But it’s not just the scoring that’s turning heads. Sherwood plays with an edge - his physicality jumps off the stat sheet.
He currently holds a 40-hit lead over the next closest player in the league, New York Rangers forward Will Cuylle. That combination of scoring touch and relentless physical play is exactly what playoff-bound teams are looking for down the stretch.
Vancouver is motivated to move him, and while they’d love to land a first-round pick in return, the market may not swing that high. Teams holding onto first-rounders are more likely to spend them on bigger-name targets - think Nazem Kadri, Artemi Panarin, or Connor Murphy - players with established star power or longer-term upside.
Sherwood may not be the flashiest name out there, but he’s the kind of player who can make a real difference in a playoff series. Think energy, grit, and timely scoring.
A more realistic return? Something along the lines of what Seattle got for Mason Marchment - a second- and a fourth-rounder. That would still be solid value for Vancouver, especially considering Sherwood’s expiring deal and current injury status.
One team to keep an eye on: the San Jose Sharks. They’ve got the draft capital, the cap space, and the motivation.
San Jose currently holds the final Wild Card spot with 51 points - just two ahead of the Kings and tied with the Kraken in the Pacific Division. They’re in the thick of the playoff race, and their front office knows it.
Led by Vancouver native Macklin Celebrini, the Sharks are starting to emerge from their rebuild and look like a team ready to take the next step. Adding a player like Sherwood - someone who can bring both scoring and sandpaper - would be a strong signal to the locker room that management believes in this group’s ability to make a run. And with multiple first- and second-round picks in their back pocket, San Jose has the flexibility to get creative - possibly even work out an extension with Sherwood if things go well.
Bottom line: Sherwood is a name to watch as the trade deadline approaches. He’s producing at a high level, playing a heavy game built for the postseason, and drawing interest from teams looking to bolster their depth with a proven contributor. Whether it’s the Sharks or another contender, don’t be surprised if a deal comes together sooner rather than later.