Perhaps slightly sooner than many expected, and to a team likely off of most people’s radar, but Kiefer Sherwood is no longer a member of the Vancouver Canucks. Traded yesterday afternoon to the San Jose Sharks, the Canucks get a return of a pair of 2nd round picks (this year and next) and defenseman Cole Clayton.
Kiefer Sherwood led the Canucks in hits and goals thus far into the season, and as such made himself a valuable and obvious trade peice. Adding to that his UFA status heading into next year, and as a player who is 30 years old and in need of a new contract, an extension in Vancouver was not going to fit in their rebuild time line.
And so, the Canucks get ahead of things and send Sherwood on his way, and to a team fighting tooth and nail to secure a playoff spot. Kiefer Sherwood will certainly be able to help them accomplish that.
The return for Vancouver is bitter sweet. It was clear the Canucks wanted to get another first round pick for Sherwood, but acquiring two 2nd round picks is still a good return for a 30 year old UFA on track for a career high in goals (by a lot) and whose shooting percentage is likely to regress before the end of the season.
Sherwood spoke to the media following the announcement of his trade, and as the consummate professional, had nothing but glowing praise for his time in Vancouver.
“I’m really thankful for everything this city and this organization has given me. I know they say you earn it, but you have to have the opportunity. It’s (Vancouver) is everything I could have hoped for and more, and this is really a special place to play.”
Sherwood talked a lot about his attachment to the city of Vancouver and his gratitude towards the fans and organization for embracing him and giving him the opportunity. However this trade is looked back on, Sherwood made this most of his short time in Vancouver, engraving himself as a fan favourite.
What is next for Vancouver?
If it wasn’t clear already, the Canucks have officially entered rebuilding status. We are still a few weeks away from the early unofficial early trade deadline that is the February 4th Olympic roster freeze.
Sherwood was not the first domino to drop for the Canucks this season, and he is likely not the last. GM Patrick Alvin reiterated yesterday after the Sherwood trade that the direction of this rebuild is still aimed at getting younger. Alvin was also asked whether or not the plan was to strip it down completely, or to keep some of their veteran players in the fold.
“Definitely need to keep players around. I don’t want to see what happened here the other night, losing 6-0. It’s not good for anyone, it’s not good for the fans, it’s not good for the players. We’re extremely fortunate to have good veteran players here, and good people more so to teach our young guys. But again I’ve said it before, if it makes sense for us long term, we will definitely look into it.”
It is a lot for the veteran players on the Canucks to take in. To wonder who is safe, and who will be moving their family to a new city in the coming weeks and months, all while in the midst of a franchise record 11 game losing streak. There are tough times ahead this season for the Canucks, but that is the life of a rebuilding team.
The Canucks will be back in action Wednesday night, hosting Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals
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Tagged: nhl, Vancouver Canucks