Kiefer Sherwood hasn’t even suited up for the San Jose Sharks yet, but the organization is already thinking long-term.
The Sharks made a bold move in acquiring Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks, sending two second-round picks the other way. That’s a significant price to pay for a player on an expiring deal, but San Jose knew what it was getting into. The 30-year-old forward is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the front office is wasting no time trying to lock him in for the future.
Talks are already underway on a potential extension, but there’s a wide gap between what Sherwood’s camp is targeting and what the Sharks are comfortable offering. According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, Sherwood’s side believes he could command a deal worth up to $30 million annually on a long-term contract. That’s a hefty number, and one that suggests Sherwood sees himself as more than just a depth piece.
And to be fair, he’s making a strong case. Sherwood has already tallied 17 goals this season-just two shy of his career-high-and he’s playing with a physical edge that’s hard to ignore.
He’s cracked the 200-hit mark, bringing a level of grit and energy that can set the tone for a team every night. That kind of two-way impact is rare, and it’s exactly what rebuilding teams like San Jose need to complement their young, skilled core.
He hasn’t hit the ice for the Sharks yet as he works through a minor injury, but his debut could come soon-possibly Friday night when San Jose hosts the New Jersey Devils. Once he gets into the lineup, both sides will get a clearer picture of the fit. Sherwood’s style-fast, physical, and opportunistic-could mesh well with a team looking to build an identity around its up-and-coming talent.
Even if an extension doesn’t materialize, the trade still makes sense for San Jose. This is a team trying to find its footing, and taking a swing on a player like Sherwood is a calculated risk.
If he helps the Sharks make a late-season push or brings some needed edge to the lineup, that’s value in itself. But if they can get him to buy into the vision and stick around, he could become a foundational piece-someone who brings leadership, toughness, and scoring touch to a group that’s still learning how to win.
And who knows? Once Sherwood hits the ice and starts building chemistry-possibly with rising star Macklin Celebrini-he might just see the Sharks as more than a stop along the way. He could see them as home.