The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly having second thoughts about trading away winger Kiefer Sherwood, despite earlier indications that he was on the market. Several factors contribute to this shift in perspective, primarily Sherwood's outstanding performance this season and the complexities of finding a suitable trade.
The 30-year-old Sherwood is currently having a career year, leading the Canucks with 17 goals. His scoring touch, combined with his physical play (he is second in the NHL in hits with 198), makes him a valuable asset. He has also recorded two hat tricks this season. This production has made him an attractive target for other teams looking to add scoring depth and grit to their lineups.
However, Sherwood's strong play is precisely why the Canucks are reconsidering their position. As his value increases, the potential return in a trade may not be worth losing a player who is contributing significantly to the team's success. Moreover, Sherwood's expressed desire to stay in Vancouver is also a factor. "I love it here, my teammates, and the market," he told Postmedia.
The Canucks have been down this road before, re-signing Dakota Joshua to a four-year extension after a career year. The team may be wary of letting another valuable player walk away, especially given Sherwood's fit within the team dynamic.
Despite Sherwood's apparent desire to stay in Vancouver, contract negotiations may prove to be a sticking point. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that there is a "sizable gap" between what Sherwood is asking for and what the Canucks are willing to offer. Given his age and current performance, Sherwood could command a contract of $4 million to $5 million or more annually.
Several teams have expressed interest in acquiring Sherwood, including the Dallas Stars and Boston Bruins. Dallas is looking for a player to complement Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz on their second line. Boston, on the other hand, has offered center Casey Mittlestadt in exchange for Sherwood.
Ultimately, the Canucks' decision on Sherwood will likely depend on whether they can bridge the gap in contract negotiations and whether they receive a trade offer that they cannot refuse. General Manager Patrik Allvin may be simply doing his due diligence to determine the cost of keeping Sherwood, even while exploring trade options. The Canucks also have long-term commitments to right wingers Brock Boeser and Conor Garland, making Sherwood a potentially difficult fit beyond this season.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Canucks face a challenging decision: retain a valuable player who wants to stay in Vancouver or capitalize on his high value and acquire assets for the future.
