The San Jose Sharks are potentially open to trading winger Kiefer Sherwood before the NHL trade deadline, according to reports. This comes just over six weeks after acquiring him from the Vancouver Canucks.

Sharks Evaluating Options

The primary reason for considering a trade appears to be the Sharks’ inability to reach an agreement with Sherwood on a contract extension. The team reportedly doesn’t want to risk losing him for nothing in free agency.

Sherwood was initially sidelined with an upper-body injury following the trade from Vancouver, keeping him out of action for nearly a month. He has since played in four games for San Jose.

Limited Production in San Jose

Despite being deployed on the Sharks’ top line alongside young stars Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, and receiving power-play time, Sherwood has yet to register a point for his new team.

Contract Demands a Sticking Point

Reports indicate a sizable gap exists between Sherwood’s contract expectations and what the Sharks are willing to offer. Analysts project his next contract could be worth $5.7 million annually over a five-year term.

“Sherwood’s next contract is expected to carry an AAV of at least $5 million.”

The Mercury News

Sherwood’s Career Trajectory

Sherwood’s path to becoming a consistent NHL player has been unconventional. He excelled in the AHL, scoring 36 goals and 75 points in 57 games in 2021-22, and continued to produce at a high level with the Milwaukee Admirals. He transitioned into a physical, bottom-six forward in the NHL before his offensive output increased with the Vancouver Canucks.

With the Canucks, he scored 19 goals and 40 points in 78 games in 2024-25, and led the team with 17 goals in 44 games before the trade.

Trade Value and Precedent

The Sharks surrendered two second-round draft picks (2026 and 2027) and defenseman Cole Clayton to acquire Sherwood. It remains uncertain whether they could recoup comparable value in a potential re-trade.

There is precedent for teams acquiring a player and then quickly flipping them, though the circumstances surrounding Mikko Rantanen’s trade are not directly comparable due to his higher level of play.

Looking Ahead

If the Sharks do trade Sherwood, the return they receive will be a key indicator of their leverage in negotiations. Alternatively, retaining him as a rental player could signal they believe his value outweighs the potential return in a trade.

FAQ

• Why are the Sharks considering trading Sherwood? They are unable to agree on a contract extension and don’t want to lose him for nothing in free agency.
• What did the Sharks give up to get Sherwood? Two second-round draft picks and defenseman Cole Clayton.
• Has Sherwood been productive for the Sharks? No, he has not recorded any points in his four games with the team.

Did you know? Kiefer Sherwood led the Vancouver Canucks in goals with 17 before being traded to the Sharks.

Stay tuned to 247sports.news for the latest updates on the NHL trade deadline and the San Jose Sharks.