Trade chatter is heating up around the Vancouver Canucks, and one team to keep an eye on is the Philadelphia Flyers - thanks in part to a familiar face behind their bench.
Rick Tocchet, now in his first year as head coach of the Flyers, spent the previous two-and-a-half seasons in Vancouver. That connection is more than just a footnote - it could be a key factor as the Canucks look to move some of their veteran pieces. According to reports, Tocchet has a strong sense of the Canucks’ roster, and there’s growing belief around the league that Philadelphia could emerge as a serious trade partner.
The Canucks made it official a week ago, when President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford sent a memo to all 31 other NHL clubs stating that the team’s veteran players are available. That move opened the floodgates for speculation and trade talk, with several names starting to circulate - but one in particular is drawing the most attention.
Kiefer Sherwood has quickly become one of the more intriguing names on the trade market. The 28-year-old winger is in the final season of a two-year, $3 million deal he signed with Vancouver back on July 1, 2024.
At $1.5 million annually, he’s not just productive - he’s affordable. And with Sherwood on pace to smash his career highs in both goals and points, it’s no surprise teams are lining up to check in on his availability.
The Boston Bruins are among those teams, reportedly showing interest in both Sherwood and fellow forward Conor Garland. The Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks have also kicked the tires on Sherwood, a Columbus, Ohio native who’s showing he can be more than just a depth option.
As for the Flyers, there’s no official link to Sherwood at this point, but the Tocchet connection is hard to ignore. He knows the Canucks roster inside and out - not just the stars, but the grinders, glue guys, and under-the-radar contributors. That insight could give Philly a leg up if they decide to pursue a deal.
It’s worth noting that Quinn Hughes, the Canucks’ captain and cornerstone defenseman, isn’t part of these conversations. While every team in the league would love to land a player of his caliber, there’s no indication Vancouver is even entertaining that idea. The focus here is clearly on the team’s veteran depth - players who can contribute now and potentially help a playoff contender.
So the real question becomes: which of those veterans does Tocchet value? That’s the conversation happening behind closed doors right now. The Flyers are in a transitional phase, blending youth with experience, and Tocchet’s familiarity with the Canucks' roster could shape how aggressively they pursue a deal.
With the trade winds starting to swirl, Vancouver’s decision to open the door on their veterans has already sparked league-wide interest. Sherwood may be the name on the marquee, but he’s likely just one part of a bigger picture. And if the Flyers are indeed in the mix, don’t be surprised if Tocchet’s past becomes a driving force in shaping Philadelphia’s future.