The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly eager to trade pending unrestricted free agent Kiefer Sherwood, hoping to capitalize on his current value before it diminishes. The Canucks sent a memo to all NHL general managers stating they are willing to listen to trade offers for their veteran players. According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, forwards Kiefer Sherwood, Evander Kane, and Teddy Blueger are among the players available for trade.
Sherwood, who will turn 31 in March, is in the second year of a two-year contract he signed with the Canucks in the 2024 offseason. He is having a strong season, with 12 goals and 16 points in 24 games. Last season, Sherwood set career highs in goals and points.
However, nine of Sherwood's goals came in the first 12 games, and he has only managed three since. This decline in production is a concern for the Canucks, as it could affect the return they receive in a trade.
President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford has made it clear that the Canucks are looking to get younger and are willing to move their UFA forwards sooner rather than later. The Canucks are reportedly seeking either young players or at least a second-round pick in return for Sherwood. According to CanucksArmy's Irfaan Gaffar, the Canucks "are going to want younger players they can put into the lineup now" in a Sherwood deal.
Several teams are reportedly interested in Sherwood, including the Detroit Red Wings. Elliotte Friedman noted, "I think there's a lot of teams are looking at him right now". The Red Wings, who haven't made the playoffs since 2016, may see Sherwood as a player who can bring some swagger to their lineup. Elmer Soderblom, Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, Dmitri Buchelnikov, Carter Mazur, William Wallinder, and Amadeus Lombardi are potential prospects that Detroit could offer.
With the March 6 trade deadline approaching, the Canucks are hoping to create an early bidding war for Sherwood. However, they also need to be mindful of his declining production and act quickly to maximize their return. If Sherwood's goal-scoring continues to decline, he may be viewed as a low-maintenance, playoff-style player, which would reduce his trade value.
