Kiefer Sherwood Joins the San Jose Sharks
Kiefer Sherwood, the newest forward for the San Jose Sharks, is eagerly looking forward to making his debut with the team after his recent trade from the Vancouver Canucks. He was acquired on January 19, with the Sharks sending defenseman Cole Clayton and two future second-round picks (in 2026 and 2027) to Vancouver in return.
Upcoming Matchup
Both teams are set to clash again on January 27 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, where their last meeting resulted in a 6-3 victory for the Sharks on December 27. In that game, notable contributors included Macklin Celebrini and Igor Chernyshov, whose combined efforts helped the Sharks secure the win. Although Sherwood had an active game with five shots on goal during that match, it’s reported that he will not participate in the upcoming face-off, remaining on injured reserve as confirmed by Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now.
Career Highlights
Sherwood’s journey in the NHL has been marked by significant achievements. At age 30, he has had a standout season with the Canucks, notching 23 points from 17 goals and six assists across 44 games, while also being a physical presence on the ice, currently ranking second in the league with 210 hits. His professional career began when he signed with the Anaheim Ducks as an undrafted free agent in 2018, following three years at Miami University, and his first-ever NHL point came against the Sharks.
Looking Ahead
Now, as he joins a Sharks roster that combines youth and ambition, Sherwood is focused on driving the team toward a playoff berth. This season, the Sharks boast a better record of 26-21-3, holding 55 points, compared to Vancouver’s struggles with a 17-30-5 standing. Sherwood’s excitement about the Sharks’ prospects is palpable; he has stated,
“I looked at the standings right away, and you just want to be able to compete and be in the hunt. I’m really looking forward to helping this team push toward a better second half of the season.”
Competitive Spirit and Team Dynamics
Although currently sidelined due to an upper body injury, Sherwood’s reputation as a fiercely competitive player precedes him. Macklin Celebrini, a young star for the Sharks, has praised Sherwood’s tenacity and competitiveness, emphasizing how he can impact the team’s dynamics positively.
Sherwood is no stranger to offensive success, having fired off two hat tricks this season alone and maintaining consistent scoring throughout various stages of his career. He looks forward to contributing his physical style of play to the Sharks and joining them in their push for the playoffs.
“I want to make us hard to play against and do whatever I can to help, whether it’s through physical play or emotional leadership,”
he remarked.
Building Team Camaraderie
He is also keen on fostering camaraderie within the locker room and plans to be a unifying presence, while also creating energy in games and in practices. Observing the Sharks’ recent moments, including a rare goalie fight, has only added to his excitement about this new chapter in his career. Sherwood is ready to embrace the challenges ahead, especially in the interpreting atmosphere of the Shark Tank, where he is adamant about contributing to the team’s evolving culture and fight for success.
With the Sharks aiming for growth in the latter half of the season, Sherwood’s potential return could present crucial boosts as they align themselves for a competitive playoff push.
