Sharks Weighing Kiefer Sherwood Trade Ahead of Deadline

San Jose open to flipping recent acquisition if they can't agree on contract extension

Feb. 28, 2026 at 12:49am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The San Jose Sharks are reportedly open to trading pending unrestricted free agent Kiefer Sherwood if they are unable to sign him to a contract extension in the next week. Sherwood was acquired by the Sharks in January, but has only played two games with the team so far due to an injury. With the Sharks struggling and falling out of playoff position, the team must decide whether to keep Sherwood or flip him for assets before the March 6 trade deadline.

Why it matters

Sherwood's potential departure would be a blow to the Sharks' playoff hopes, as he was acquired to provide a boost for the team's postseason push. However, if the Sharks can't agree on a contract extension, trading Sherwood could allow them to recoup the draft picks they gave up to acquire him and potentially get back into the playoff race.

The details

The Sharks acquired Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks on January 19 in exchange for a pair of second-round picks. However, Sherwood was dealing with an upper-body injury at the time of the trade and didn't get healthy until right before the Olympic break. He's only played two games with the Sharks so far, coinciding with the team's recent five-game losing streak that has them falling out of playoff position in the Western Conference.

  • The Sharks acquired Sherwood on January 19, 2026.
  • Sherwood didn't get healthy until right before the early February Olympic break.
  • Sherwood has only played two games with the Sharks so far.
  • The Sharks have lost five straight games, falling five points behind the last wild card spot in the West.
  • The NHL trade deadline is on March 6, 2026.

The players

Kiefer Sherwood

A 30-year-old winger who was recently acquired by the San Jose Sharks from the Vancouver Canucks.

Mike Grier

The general manager of the San Jose Sharks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Sharks are open to the possibility of flipping Sherwood if they can't get him signed. It's more likely than not he's moved if the Sharks can't extend him over the next week.”

— Pierre LeBrun (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Sharks have a back-to-back this weekend, two of their three games before the March 6 trade deadline, which could cement them as buyers or sellers at the deadline. The team must also decide in the next week whether to sign Sherwood to a contract extension or trade him.

The takeaway

The Sherwood trade situation is a pivotal one for the Sharks as they try to get back into the playoff race. If they can't agree on a contract extension, trading Sherwood could allow them to recoup assets, but would be a blow to their postseason hopes. The next week will be crucial in determining Sherwood's future in San Jose.