Kiefer Sherwood could be the perfect fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Vancouver Canucks may be considering the future of their veteran options.
The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly looking at potentially selling off some of their top veteran players, according to Sportsnet Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman.
Friedman added that superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes isn't one of the players under consideration to be traded, but other options could be on the move in Vancouver.
-
The Canucks, who have a 10-12-2 record, sit seventh in the Pacific Divison, with ongoing questions surrounding the team's on-ice chemistry and consistency.
With Vancouver's struggles on the ice this season, some veterans could provide opportunities for Toronto, and one name makes clear sense in Kiefer Sherwood.
According to Elliotte Friedman, Sherwood is a name that is floating around on the trade market, and says that the Canucks could make a deal soon if it's to their liking.
-
How Kiefer Sherwood's game lines up with what Craig Berube keeps asking for
Kiefer Sherwood plays a style of hockey that would very much appeal to the Toronto Maple Leafs and head coach Craig Berube.
A highly physical forward, Sherwood is currently second in the league in hits with 99, having led in hits last season with 436.
As well, Sherwood plays a strong energy role in being able to battle for pucks, be a consistent agitator, and showcases strong hustle.
Sherwood has also taken steps offensively, with 12 goals and 16 points in 24 games, on pace to surpass his career bests in those departments, although on a high shooting percentage.
-
As one of the NHL's key energy forwards, Sherwood would add an energetic presence to the Leafs bottom-six, while also showcasing that he can be a productive goalscorer if he needs to be.
What a quick Kiefer Sherwood deal would really cost the Maple Leafs
Sherwood's price tag isn't known as he's not directly linked to a team, including Toronto, but as a potential third line winger who brings a combination of goalscoring while being a heavy hitter, he could bring some fair interest.
His $1.5M cap hit will attract suitors, and could give even more reason to pay for him as a cost-friendly depth forward with upside tools.
A first round pick may come off as a bit rich, Toronto doesn't have their next two first round picks already, but do have some second round picks to offer.
Brad Treliving had said that if he were to make a move for a roster player that likely someone on the Leafs roster would be going the other way.
Players such as Max Domi or Matias Maccelli plus an early pick or B-level prospect could be of some interest to Vancouver, but a first round pick for Sherwood seems rich.
Toronto paying the price of an Easton Cowan would be unexpected and not a move insiders have suggested, but he does fit the "roster" element that Treliving described.
The Leafs, as one of the top teams in goals allowed this season, are looking for ways to be more assertive on the forecheck, and Sherwood is very strong at being the aggressive force Toronto desires.
Kiefer Sherwood fits a lot of what the Toronto Maple Leafs want, but the barrier would depend on whether a team like Toronto, with limited assets, can pay for it.