The Vancouver Canucks, struggling in the 2025-26 season, are considering trading forward Kiefer Sherwood as they rebuild after dealing Quinn Hughes. At 30 years old with 17 goals in 41 games, Sherwood's impending free agency makes him a prime deadline asset. Reports suggest the team has offered him an extension but remains open to deals with contenders like the Capitals, Ducks, Islanders, and Bruins.
The Vancouver Canucks' 2025-26 campaign has been disappointing, placing them at the bottom of the Western Conference and positioning them as sellers ahead of the March 2026 NHL trade deadline. Their blockbuster trade of defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild—netting three top prospects and a 2026 first-round pick—signals a shift toward future assets. Now, attention has turned to forward Kiefer Sherwood, a 30-year-old pending unrestricted free agent earning $1.5 million against the cap with no trade protection.
Sherwood has impressed with 17 goals in 41 games, blending physical play, shooting, and defensive reliability—qualities that could elevate a playoff contender. However, a recent report from Elliotte Friedman indicates the Canucks are not abandoning efforts to retain him, having offered an extension. Despite this, his value has inflated due to strong offensive production, with the asking price reportedly a first-round draft pick, potentially rising in a bidding war.
Speculative trade scenarios abound. A hypothetical deal with the Washington Capitals could see Sherwood head east for their 2027 first-round pick, or even prospect Ilya Protas if paired with an extension. The Anaheim Ducks, where Sherwood began his career (scoring six goals and 13 points in 60 games from 2018-20), might offer defenseman Pavel Mintyukov and picks to bolster their middle-six scoring amid a playoff push under coach Joel Quenneville.
The New York Islanders, dealing with injuries to Kyle Palmieri (torn ACL) and Bo Horvat, need offensive depth; they hold two first-round picks, including one from the Colorado Avalanche via the Brock Nelson trade, and could explore a three-way deal involving veterans Anders Lee or Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Similarly, the Boston Bruins, hovering near the playoffs with an extra first-rounder from the Toronto Maple Leafs, possess the assets to acquire Sherwood alongside a center to address longstanding needs.
As the season progresses, Sherwood's destination remains uncertain, but his versatility makes him a sought-after piece in Vancouver's rebuild.
