The Maple Leafs miss out as Kiefer Sherwood gets dealt to San Jose

On Monday afternoon the Vancouver Canucks and GM Patrik Allvin announced the team had traded sought after forward Kiefer Sherwood to the San Jose Sharks for a package that includes Cole Clayton as well as two second-round draft picks:

The draft picks are for both 2026 and 2027 meanwhile Clayton is an interesting defensive prospect who could be a great addition to Vancouver's rebuild going forward.

Sherwood, 30, has 23 points in 44 games (17 goals, 6 assists) while adding 210 hits and 22 PIM in 17:32 TOI.

The forward was linked heavily to the Toronto Maple Leafs for months, and it would mark the second trade in as many days where the team lost out on a prime target; the first being Rasmus Andersson who was dealt to Vegas.

However, things aren't exactly bad news for the Maple Leafs. Looking at the package to acquire Sherwood it's at least a little more palatable that they might not need to include a first-round pick.

If they can get away with a mixture of mid-tier and above average picks, along with a prospect then it's very likely they can get something good.

Take Dougie Hamilton for instance. Sure he's not a forward but Toronto needs defensive help and a package of their 2026 third-rounder and 2027 second-rounder along with someone like William Villeneuve or Ben Danford -- that might be enough.

Granted, the team will also need to find the money and retention becomes a whole new ballgame, but if New Jersey is willing to eat some salary on behalf of Hamilton and take on some cheap deals in return to keep bodies available; it could work out.

Rasmus Andersson's deal came without term and 50% retention. Hamilton's has term and Toronto could likely convince GM Tom Fitzgerald to take on 25% of the defender's salary.

It's a bit of a wonkier situation for Brad Treliving but if prices keep dropping, then he's going to have a much better chance at landing the big fish he's been searching for.

For now, Sherwood gets a chance to play on a winning team in the same division, filled with a lot of potential and being in sunny California is just an added bonus.

And the Maple Leafs miss out, but things don't seem completely hopeless after all.

Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Brad Treliving may be closing in on a trade for a much-needed blue-line upgrade