The Vancouver Canucks have completed a significant trade, sending winger Kiefer Sherwood to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Cole Clayton, along with second-round picks in 2026 and 2027. This move comes as Sherwood has been one of the most coveted rentals leading up to the trade deadline.
The Sharks have shown a sustained interest in acquiring Sherwood, as noted by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman back in December, when they were identified as a team actively pursuing the forward. The Canucks, aiming for a more substantial return, had initially sought a first-round pick for Sherwood’s skills. Although they settled for two second-round selections, it remains a valuable addition to their draft capital.
Sherwood, who signed a two-year, $3 million deal with the Canucks ahead of the 2024-25 season, had previously made an impression in the playoffs while with the Nashville Predators. He garnered attention for his physical style of play, registering 33 hits against the Canucks in their first-round matchup in the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs. During his tenure with Vancouver, he has developed into a strong contributor, scoring 36 goals and accumulating 63 points over 122 games, all while maintaining an average of 5.5 hits per game.
His addition to the Sharks is particularly beneficial as the team seeks to boost their postseason prospects for the first time in seven years. With few physical forwards on their roster aside from Ryan Reaves and injured Ty Dellandrea, Sherwood fits perfectly into the Sharks’ plans. He is expected to complement rising star Macklin Celebrini on the top line, providing the necessary support and grit that the team has lacked.
On the flip side, the Canucks are strategically enhancing their draft assets, now holding a total of seven picks for the upcoming draft and eight for the next. Clayton, the defenseman acquired from San Jose, adds to their prospects. The 25-year-old defenseman, who previously played for the Calgary WHL program and the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters, brings physicality and experience to the Canucks’ blue line.
This trade illustrates a thoughtful strategy by both teams, with the Sharks aiming to reinforce their lineup for a playoff push, while the Canucks continue to stockpile valuable draft picks to build for the future. This trade not only elevates the strength of the Sharks’ roster but also enhances Vancouver’s long-term prospects, setting both teams on paths that could yield positive results.