
The Kiefer Sherwood trade sweepstakes wasn’t as lucrative as the Vancouver Canucks thought it would be after dealing him to the San Jose Sharks. Sherwood had a red-hot start to the season, leading some to believe Vancouver could fetch a first-round pick for him, but a cold streak left his value at just two second-round picks and a low-level prospect.
Some wonder whether the Sharks would explore flipping Sherwood at the deadline if he rediscovers his game over the next month and increases his trade value. With more opportunities in San Jose, the power forward might be able to elevate his play. However, if he plays well, the Sharks might be in a position to hold on to him for a playoff push.
If that happens, the Sharks may also look at signing him to a long-term deal as they enter their contending window, which is something Sherwood could have mutual interest in, according to Chris Johnston via Early Trading.
“I think he’s fully willing to stay in San Jose, but it’s going to cost a fair amount of money to get that done. At this point in time, I don’t know if the Sharks are ready to quite pony up. So I think a situation that bears watching. But needless to say, the Sharks like the player.”
Sherwood and the Sharks didn’t hammer out a long-term extension at the time of the trade, which was the expected course of action for any team acquiring him. While they didn’t get that done yet, it’d be hard to see San Jose spending two second-round picks to obtain someone who they’ll let walk at the end of the year, especially if they fall short of a playoff spot.
The Sharks have an interesting opportunity in front of them. Sherwood could easily catch fire and help lead them to the postseason, but if he plays alongside Macklin Celebrini and produces at a reasonable rate, his asking price on a contract extension will only increase. It might be time for Mike Grier to get a deal done early before that happens.
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