Bold claim first: Kiefer Sherwood wants to stay with the Sharks, but the clock is ticking. And this is where the story gets tricky, because the looming March 6 Trade Deadline could reshape his future in San Jose.
Sherwood, currently a pending unrestricted free agent, says his focus is on the present game and his strong desire to remain with the team. Yet whispers persist that San Jose could trade him if a new deal isn’t reached before the deadline.
The Sharks traded two second-round picks to Vancouver for the gritty winger on January 19, a bold move by GM Mike Grier. Sherwood arrived while dealing with an upper-body injury, debuting in teal on February 4, just before the Olympic break. Since then, he’s appeared in four games, notching no points, but leading the team with 14 shots and 23 hits—demonstrating his signature high-energy impact.
San Jose clearly values what Sherwood brings. On the ice, his confidence is evident: he’s willing to battle for pucks, engage physically, and screen the net while contributing defensively and blocking shots. Head coach Ryan Warsofsky praises these traits, saying Sherwood embodies ultra-competitive drive that inspires teammates to rise to the challenge. In that respect, Warsofsky even compares him to Macklin Celebrini for that same relentless tenacity.
Off the ice, Sherwood sets a professional standard. Warsofsky notes he’s the first in line at practice, consistently going the extra mile in meetings and preparation, absorbing coaching quickly, and showing a natural knack for picking up new concepts.
Sherwood also projects a bright future for the franchise. He’s expressed a genuine wish to be part of the Sharks’ ongoing growth, wanting to build alongside his teammates and help strengthen the team’s identity.
The central question remains: can Sherwood and the Sharks reach a contract that satisfies both sides? Insider chatter from Chris Johnston suggests Sherwood might be targeting a total around $30 million for his next deal. Sherwood emphasizes focusing on controllable factors, acknowledging outside noise but choosing to concentrate on playing rather than distractions.
Team snapshots:
- San Jose Sharks (29-25-4) starting lineup notes: Yaroslav Askarov gets the start; Adam Gaudette returns to the lineup.
- Line combinations include Graf-Celebrini-Smith; Kurashev-Wennberg-Sherwood; Eklund-Misa-Toffoli; Goodrow-Ostapchuk-Gaudette; defense: Orlov-Klingberg; Ferraro-Mukhamadullin; Dickinson-Desharnais.
- Power play units: PP1 Orlov-Celebrini-Smith-Toffoli-Wennberg; PP2 Klingberg-Kurashev-Eklund-Sherwood-Misa.
Montreal Canadiens (33-17-9) setup:
- Jakub Dobes starts in goal.
- Lines: Caufield-Suzuki-Dach; Slafkovsky-Kapanen-Demidov; Newhook-Evans-Bolduc; Anderson-Danault-Gallagher.
- D pairs: Hutson-Dobson; Matheson-Guhle; Struble-Carrier.
Game info:
- Puck drop: 7:00 PM PT at SAP Center.
- Where to watch: NBC Sports California; sharks Audio Network for radio.
Question to readers: Do you think Sherwood’s long-term value justifies a multi-year deal around the rumored $30 million, or should San Jose consider letting him prove his worth with the expected higher ceiling before signing long-term? Share your take on whether the Sharks should lock him in now or wait and see how his on-ice production and leadership impact unfold this season.
