San Jose Sharks Consider Trading Kiefer Sherwood
The San Jose Sharks are now actively considering a trade involving winger Kiefer Sherwood ahead of the NHL trade deadline. This decision follows the team’s inability to reach a contract extension with Sherwood, leading to concerns about potentially losing him as a free agent.
Trade Context and Sherwood’s Performance
Acquired six weeks ago from the Vancouver Canucks, Sherwood arrived while recovering from an upper-body injury. This injury kept him off the ice for nearly a month. He returned just in time for San Jose’s final game before the Olympic break and has since participated in three games. Despite playing on the top line alongside promising talents Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, he has struggled to make a notable impact on the scoresheet.
Contract Negotiations and Market Value
The Sharks and Sherwood face a significant impasse regarding a new contract. Reports indicate a “sizable gap” between what Sherwood desires and what the Sharks are willing to offer. His next deal is projected to command an average annual value (AAV) of at least $5 million, with analysts suggesting it could be as high as $5.7 million annually over five years.
- Sherwood’s previous AHL season: 36 goals, 75 points in 57 games (2021-22).
- Transition to the NHL: 19 goals and 40 points in the 2024-25 season.
Implications of a Trade
Should the Sharks decide to trade Sherwood, they would look to recoup the value they invested in him, including two second-round picks and AHL defenseman Cole Clayton. The challenge remains whether they can secure a favorable return given their limited leverage. An indicative precedent is the situation with Mikko Rantanen, who was traded by the Carolina Hurricanes after contract extension talks stalled, yielding a lucrative return that included emerging young talent.
Future Considerations
The possibility of retaining Sherwood as a rental player could also be appealing for San Jose if trade offers are unsatisfactory. Keeping him might be viewed as a more strategic move, allowing the team to assess his performance further without the risk of losing him for nothing.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Sharks will need to make critical decisions regarding Sherwood’s future and the team’s direction.
