The Vancouver Canucks remain fully engaged in trade discussions with multiple franchises. Management has made it clear they’re willing to listen to offers on veteran players as they attempt to get younger. However, one particular forward has generated more interest than any other available Canucks player.
Kiefer Sherwood has been exceptional this season, combining physicality with surprising offensive production. The 30-year-old winger is in the final year of his contract and set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
A long list of contending teams has been calling about his availability, creating a robust market for the pending UFA.
Insider Reports Six Teams Pursuing Kiefer Sherwood From Canucks
The Fourth Period reported that Canucks GM Patrik Allvin continues taking calls on Sherwood from numerous teams. The list of interested franchises continues to grow with each passing week. Initially, rumors suggested that only the Bruins wanted to bring Sherwood to Boston.
But since then, others, such as the Minnesota Wild, the Dallas Stars, the Montreal Canadiens, the Columbus Blue Jackets, the New Jersey Devils, and the Philadelphia Flyers, have also emerged as names interested in the forward.
Meanwhile, Sherwood is in the final year of a two-year, $3 million contract. Vancouver has not engaged in full contract negotiations with its agent to date, suggesting they’re open to moving him rather than risking losing him for nothing in free agency.
The asking price reflects Vancouver’s view of Sherwood’s value. The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta reported the Canucks want a first-round draft pick and another asset in exchange for the physical winger.
Management is willing to wait until a team pays that premium rather than accepting a lesser package. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun addressed the situation during Tuesday’s edition of Insider Trading. The insider confirmed Vancouver isn’t rushing to make a deal despite significant interest.
“Now, Vancouver is not rushing into this, I’m told,” LeBrun said. “They want to get a full picture of what the market looks like.” LeBrun raised an interesting possibility that could increase Sherwood’s trade value.
If an acquiring team signs him to an extension as part of the deal, it would justify paying Vancouver’s asking price.
“What will be interesting to me is are some of these teams that go more serious in these talks are willing to sign Sherwood as part of this to make the value greater for Vancouver. We’ll see if that happens or not,” LeBrun explained.
Sherwood has been outstanding this season, registering 12 goals and four assists for 16 points through 27 games. More impressively, he currently ranks second in the NHL with 110 hits. The combination of scoring ability and physical edge makes him an ideal rental addition for contending teams.
The Canucks are also listening to other players, including forwards Conor Garland, Teddy Blueger, Drew O’Connor, Lukas Reichel, and Evander Kane, plus defenseman Derek Forbort. However, none have generated the same level of interest as Sherwood.
Whether Vancouver ultimately receives a first-round pick for a 30-year-old rental winger remains to be seen. The robust market suggests that at least one contending team will eventually meet Allvin’s asking price as the trade deadline approaches.