Kiefer Sherwood has emerged as an unexpected star for the Vancouver Canucks this season, but his stellar performance might lead to a difficult decision for the team as the trade deadline approaches. Despite his contributions, the Canucks may consider trading him.
According to TSN's Darren Dreger, while there have been informal discussions between the Canucks and Sherwood's agent, Judd Moldaver, official extension talks haven't commenced and might not occur soon. Sherwood, currently 30 years old, is experiencing a career-best season, having already scored 12 goals. This offensive surge has transformed him from a depth player into a significant contributor.
However, Vancouver faces a surplus of wingers, creating a complex situation when considering a long-term, high-value commitment to a player who has only recently achieved this level of production. Dreger suggests that an extension for Sherwood is not guaranteed, making him a potential trade asset as the deadline nears.
Trading Sherwood would not be an easy decision for the Canucks' management. His impressive shooting percentage, physical play, and popularity with fans have made him a valuable asset. However, his rising value could attract numerous offers from other teams. If the Canucks believe they have sufficient depth to compensate for Sherwood's departure, they might consider trading him to acquire valuable assets.
Speculation suggests that Sherwood's next contract could be in the range of $4 million annually over four years. This represents a significant investment for a 30-year-old who has never reached the 20-goal mark. If the Canucks have other financial priorities, they might prefer to allow another team to offer Sherwood a lucrative contract.
NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal speculated that the Canucks could potentially receive a first-round pick in exchange for Sherwood, especially if they are willing to take on a bad contract or retain some of Sherwood's salary.
The Canucks' relatively slow start to the 2025-26 season, combined with Sherwood's strong performance, has fueled speculation about his future with the team. Prior to this season, the Canucks may have considered waiting to see if Sherwood's production declined before offering an extension at a lower price. However, his strong start to the year has complicated the decision-making process.
Ultimately, the Canucks must decide whether to commit to Sherwood long-term or explore the trade market to maximize their return before potentially losing him for nothing. Sherwood's future with the Canucks remains uncertain as the trade deadline approaches.
