Another NHL team has entered the sweepstakes for Vancouver Canucks' Kiefer Sherwood
While the Vancouver Canucks are reportedly offering Kiefer Sherwood a contract extension, more teams are entering the sweepstakes to bid for his services.
On Wednesday, The Athletic’s Vincent Mercogliano reported that the New York Rangers have Sherwood as their primary trade target in an effort to bolster their top nine.
The one thing hinging on their pursuit of Sherwood? That’s whether or not they can realistically compete for a playoff spot.
Currently, the Rangers sit three points out of a Wild Card spot in the tightly-contested Eastern Conference playoff race.
Their ability to claw their way back into the playoffs took a hit recently, as Adam Fox was placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve, keeping him out until at least Jan. 31. Goaltender Igor Shesterkin was also placed on Injured Reserve, and the Rangers recalled former Canucks netminder Spencer Martin to back up Jonathan Quick in the meantime.
While the injuries to their goaltending and defence hamper their postseason odds, the main reason why they’re below the playoff bar is their inability to score goals.
The Rangers rank 27th overall in terms of goals scored this season. Sherwood’s 17 goals this season would rank ahead of any Rangers player. Artemi Panarin currently leads the team with 16 goals.
If Sherwood were to join the Rangers, it would reunite him with two of his former Canucks teammates.
J.T. Miller and Carson Soucy were both dealt to New York last season in separate deals, but neither player has enjoyed much success with the Rangers. Miller has the same number of points as Sherwood (22), and the Rangers captain hasn’t played since Dec. 20 due to injury.
Soucy has three goals and six points while largely playing in a bottom pairing role.
The Canucks preferred return in a Sherwood trade is reportedly a first-round pick, which Mercogliano mentions would be prohibitive for the Rangers. However, they do have two first-round picks in the upcoming draft, after acquiring the Carolina Hurricanes’ top draft pick in 2026 in an offseason deal for defenceman K’Andre Miller.
New York has 12 games remaining before the Olympic break to try and claw their way back into the playoff race.