Canucks holding up a deal in a quiet NHL trade market

It’s no secret anymore: Kiefer Sherwood is generating serious NHL trade chatter. The 30-year-old Vancouver Canucks winger has emerged as a standout in an otherwise quiet trade market, leading the team with 12 goals while carrying a manageable $1.5 million cap hit.

Several teams have been linked to Sherwood, including the Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Insider Aaron Portzline confirmed the Blue Jackets, Sherwood’s hometown team, have made contact with Vancouver. Portzline also suggested the Bruins could be interested, given Sherwood’s long-time friendship with forward Sean Kuraly.

Despite the growing interest, the Canucks are in no rush to make a deal. General manager Patrik Allvin is carefully evaluating the trade market, weighing whether some suitors might also offer Sherwood a contract extension. Such a move could increase his value, giving Vancouver more leverage.

Insider Elliotte Friedman isn’t surprised Vancouver hasn’t pulled the trigger yet.

“The league is kind of in a really tough spot right now,” he said, noting that no team has been given permission to speak directly with Sherwood.

The strategy makes sense. Sherwood is currently one of the few tradeable assets standing out in a thin market. Vancouver hopes that his performance this season continues to rise, which could increase his trade value. But there’s risk too. Injuries or a drop in production could diminish his appeal as the deadline approaches.

For now, Sherwood sits at the center of a quiet storm in the NHL trade market. Multiple teams are watching closely, but the Canucks are letting the pressure build, and for a player who can contribute offensively on a modest contract, that patience could pay off in a big way.