As the trade deadline approaches on March 6th, 2026, Vancouver Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood is attracting significant interest from teams across the NHL. With the Canucks signaling a willingness to listen to offers for their pending unrestricted free agents, Sherwood has emerged as a highly sought-after commodity.
Sherwood's appealing $1.5 million cap hit, combined with his scoring ability and physical play, makes him an attractive target for contending teams. The 30-year-old winger is currently leading the Canucks with 12 goals and is on pace for a career-high. Beyond his offensive contributions, Sherwood ranks second among league forwards with 106 hits, showcasing his grit and willingness to make the opposition uncomfortable.
Several teams have already expressed interest in acquiring Sherwood, including the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, and Columbus Blue Jackets. The New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, and Detroit Red Wings are also reportedly in the mix.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have a particular interest in bringing Sherwood back to his hometown. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild are looking for top-six forward options, and the Montreal Canadiens have also inquired about Sherwood's availability.
Despite the growing interest, the Canucks are not in a rush to make a deal. The team's management wants to thoroughly evaluate the market and understand the potential return for Sherwood. Some reports suggest that the Canucks are seeking a first-round pick plus another asset in exchange for the power forward. Given Sherwood's performance this season and the limited number of clear sellers in the league, a bidding war could drive up his value even further.
As the Canucks navigate these trade discussions, they must weigh the potential benefits of retaining Sherwood against the opportunity to acquire valuable assets for the future. Sherwood is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and is in line for a significant raise from his current $1.5 million cap hit. While his offensive production and physical style of play would be valuable to any team, the Canucks must consider the possibility of his production declining in the future.
Ultimately, the Canucks' decision on Sherwood will depend on their long-term vision and the offers they receive from other teams. If they can secure a package that includes a first-round pick and another promising asset, they may be willing to part with Sherwood to accelerate their rebuilding process. However, if the offers do not meet their expectations, they could choose to keep Sherwood for the remainder of the season and attempt to re-sign him in the offseason.
