In the high-stakes world of NHL trades, a player's advancing age and a dip in goal production are often red flags that cause general managers to hesitate. For those evaluating Vancouver Canucks winger Kiefer Sherwood, who turned 31 in March and is currently mired in a nine-game goal drought, it would be easy to assume his market value is falling. A closer look at his recent performances, however, tells a completely different story.
More Than Just Goals: Sherwood's Complete Game
Despite not lighting the lamp recently, Sherwood's impact on the ice has been undeniable. In a recent game at Rogers Arena, he was a force from the opening puck drop. Within the first five minutes, he positioned himself perfectly in the slot for a dangerous tip that rang off the crossbar, set up Elias Pettersson for another scoring chance, and fired a hard wrist shot that tested the goaltender. He complemented this offensive activity with two offensive zone take-aways and a pair of heavy hits.
This intensity is not an anomaly. During his nine-game scoring slump, Sherwood has registered 18 shots, 55 shot attempts, and 21 hits. For the season, the undrafted forward continues to lead the Canucks with 12 goals, putting him on pace for a career-high 35. He also ranks second in the entire NHL with 124 hits, showcasing the relentless, physical style that defines his game.
Canucks head coach Adam Foote praised Sherwood's evolution, noting the player's necessity to play a gritty game to carve out an NHL career. "Sherwood had to play that way to survive," Foote stated. "And now he’s adding offence and he has that in him... You have to play in the dirt a little more against smart and heavy defenders."
The Canucks' Dilemma and Potential Trade Suitors
The Canucks find themselves in a challenging position. The team is fading from playoff contention and may need to shift towards a rebuild. While they value Sherwood's contributions immensely, they are reportedly hesitant to triple his current $1.5 million salary for a long-term extension. This makes a trade before he becomes an unrestricted free agent a distinct possibility.
The organization's preference is to acquire a roster-ready player or a prime prospect with NHL upside in return, rather than a draft pick. This is where the trade market gets interesting. At least two teams have been identified as having serious interest in the rugged winger.
The Minnesota Wild see Sherwood as an ideal fit for the playoff grind. One potential trade piece from their end is Liam Ohgren, a 21-year-old winger and 2022 first-round pick. While Ohgren has shown promise in the AHL, his transition to the NHL has been slower, with just 7 points in 44 games. The Canucks may seek a more established player.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are also in the mix. They could offer a player like Yegor Chinakhov, a 24-year-old right-winger and former first-round pick who has shown flashes of elite skill but has struggled with consistency. Reports suggest Chinakhov may be seeking a change of scenery.
Why His Value Remains High
Kiefer Sherwood represents the perfect "rental" player for a playoff-bound team. His expiring contract is cap-friendly, and his style of play—exemplified by leading the league with a record 464 hits last season—is built for the postseason. The concerns about age and a short scoring slump are outweighed by his improved fitness, powerful stride, and an underrated shot that has led to his best offensive output.
He is playing a harder, more disciplined game while taking fewer penalties. For contending teams looking to add sandpaper and secondary scoring for a playoff run, Sherwood's unique combination of attributes ensures his phone will keep ringing, goal drought or not. The Canucks, in turn, face the difficult decision of capitalizing on that value now or risking losing him for nothing in the summer.
