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Sherwood thanks Vancouver Canucks organization in emotional interview following trade

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Jan 19 2026, 9:04 pm
Sherwood thanks Vancouver Canucks organization in emotional interview following trade
Bob Frid/Imagn Images

It wasn’t hard to see just how much it meant to Kiefer Sherwood to throw on a Vancouver Canucks sweater each and every night.

The rather late bloomer by NHL standards established himself after signing a two-year deal with the Canucks at the age of 29. The 2024-25 campaign saw him score 19 goals and 40 points while setting an NHL record for the most hits in a season.

It’s been more of the same in 2025-26, as the now 30-year-old had 17 goals in 44 outings before being traded to the San Jose Sharks on Monday morning.

The trade – which will see two second-round picks and defenceman Cole Clayton come back the other way – comes as no surprise. Sherwood, a pending UFA, has a chance to really cash in for the first time in his career. It made little sense for the Canucks, who are dead last in NHL standings, to be the team to give him the contract he’s looking for.

Despite the two sides parting ways being the correct decision, it doesn’t make things any easier for Sherwood. While he will undoubtedly be motivated to play for a Sharks team in the playoff hunt, leaving Vancouver doesn’t seem to be easy for him.

“I was a little caught off guard. [I was] just bag skating, got off, and then was told,” said an emotional Sherwood. “First and foremost, I’m really thankful for everything that the city and this organization has given me. I know they say you earn it, but you gotta have the opportunity. As a guy who has been a late bloomer, it’s everything I could have hoped for and more.

“This is really a special place to play. That’s the hard part at times about the business. You get attached to certain cities and communities, and I feel like this city and organization do things the right way. They really live and breathe hockey. … It’s been a mutual respect and appreciation.”

Though Sherwood only spent parts of two seasons in a Canucks sweater, he quickly became a fan favourite in Vancouver. There will be plenty rooting for him and the Sharks moving forward, given that the Canucks are well outside the playoff picture.

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