Will Kiefer Sherwood be the next Canuck to be traded?

When the Vancouver Canucks traded their star Captain, Quinn Hughes, on December 12th, the belief was that it was just a matter of time before more players were dealt. 

It has been nearly a month following the blockbuster trade, though, and no trades have materialized. The only other non-waiver or IR deal the team has made is signing Linus Karlsson to a two-year extension ($2.25 AAV).

With the team currently at the bottom of the Pacific Division, the feeling is that the Canucks are still looking to sell off pieces for draft capital or young prospects. The prevailing name that is the subject of the most speculation is 30-year-old winger Kiefer Sherwood.

Sherwood’s on-ice play this season has stoked trade rumours. Through 41 games, he has 17 goals. His previous career high for goals in a season is 19. Sherwood has never been close to a point-per-game player, but a big part of his game is the physicality he brings. He currently sits second in the NHL in hits with 198, and fourth in hits per game at 4.8. 

That level of physical play and willingness to do the dirty work on the ice can be a highly sought-after trait for teams come playoff time. There has been no shortage of NHL clubs mentioned by various outlets and insiders as potential suitors for Sherwood. The most oft-mentioned teams in recent weeks include the Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens. 

The Canucks are interested in keeping Sherwood

A recent report by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman over the weekend indicated that the Canucks have extended an offer to keep Sherwood in Vancouver. However, according to Friedman, Vancouver and Sherwood are far apart on the numbers to re-sign him.

Whatever the “sizable gap” is, it's still unclear, but it seems both sides share an interest in an extension. Sherwood has gone on record to express his love for Vancouver. 

Still, it feels unlikely that Sherwood ultimately re-ups with the Canucks. His value is at its peak right now, and if the Canucks are serious about retooling for the future, they should strike now while the iron is hot. 

What could Vancouver get for Sherwood?

It isn’t clear what Vancouver would be asking for in return for Sherwood. I would guess that, from the Canucks' position, they would seek a first-round pick and a prospect, and allow some leeway in negotiations. That sounds like a steep asking price, but to the right team in the right scenario, it might not be impossible. 

Some recent trade returns on veteran players around the league may provide more insight. The Columbus Blue Jackets gave up a second and a fourth-round pick for Mason Marchment. The Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens each paid a second-round pick for Yegor Chinakhov and Phillip Danault, respectively.

All three of those players were underperforming in their current situations. In a sense, the teams trading for them were buying low. In Sherwood’s case, he is putting out a strong performance this season. It is within reason for the Canucks to seek a higher return than what was given for Marchment or Danault. 

Sherwood could be the piece that opens up the door for a full-fledged fire sale in Vancouver. Still, it could be a pipe dream to believe a franchise that has avoided committing to a rebuild would dive in headfirst to a complete teardown.