The Vancouver Canucks face the probable departure of one of their most impactful players this season, as retaining unrestricted free-agent winger Kiefer Sherwood is now considered 'highly unlikely,' according to reports.
Despite recent contract discussions and a new offer from the team, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed on Hockey Night in Canada that a 'sizable gap' remains between Sherwood and the Canucks' management. This development sets the stage for the 30-year-old forward to become one of the most coveted trade assets ahead of the deadline.
A Career Season Drives Value
Sherwood is in the midst of a remarkable career year, making his impending free agency a lucrative opportunity. He currently leads the Canucks with 17 goals, including two hat-tricks, and is on pace to shatter his personal best with an estimated 34 goals. Beyond scoring, his physical presence is unmatched; he sits second in the NHL with 198 hits, continuing the punishing style that saw him set a league record with 464 hits last season.
His game has evolved to include improved skating, fitness, and a more dangerous shot, making him the prototype of a modern power forward. 'His game is predicated on pursuit and punishing hits,' a combination that has Stanley Cup contenders lining up for his services.
Canucks' Strategy: Raise Value or Due Diligence?
The Canucks' decision to engage in extension talks appears strategic. With a stated plan to get younger and accumulate draft picks following the Quinn Hughes trade, signing a 30-year-old to a significant raise seems contradictory. This has led to speculation that the contract offer serves one of two purposes: genuine due diligence or a savvy move to increase Sherwood's trade value by demonstrating active negotiation and fostering a bidding war.
Sherwood is playing on a bargain contract with a $1.5 million cap hit and is poised to at least triple his annual salary. The Canucks have been cautious after the experience with Dakota Joshua, who received a four-year, $13 million extension after a career year in 2023-24 only to be traded later following health issues.
Sherwood himself has expressed a desire to stay, telling Postmedia, 'I love it here, my teammates, and the market.' However, after years of one-year, league-minimum deals, he hired new agents from Wasserman Hockey to secure the critical contract his career deserves.
Top Suitors Emerge for Trade
With a trade now the expected outcome, several contenders have emerged as potential destinations, each with the need for Sherwood's unique blend of grit and goal-scoring.
The Dallas Stars have a pressing need to replace injured star Tyler Seguin, who is likely out for the season after ACL surgery. Sherwood is viewed as an ideal fit on a line with Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz. The challenge is that Dallas lacks its 2026 first-round pick, so a package might need to include a promising young player like Mavrik Bourque and a second-round selection.
The Boston Bruins, who just defeated the Canucks 3-2 in overtime on Saturday, are also in the mix. They hold their 2026 first-round pick and are in a fierce battle for a wild-card spot. Vancouver could leverage this desperation, potentially targeting that first-round pick or a package including a second-rounder and young centre Fraser Minten, who scored the overtime winner against them.
The expected return for Sherwood is steep, likely commanding a first-round pick and a prospect, or a roster player and a lower pick. His performance this season has ensured that the Canucks, despite losing a key player, will receive significant assets to further their retooling plans.
