Sharks Pending UFA Unsure of Contract Status Ahead of Trade Deadline

Kiefer Sherwood says he's waiting to hear back from the team as the NHL trade deadline approaches.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 3:34am

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San Jose Sharks forward Kiefer Sherwood, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, says he is unsure of where contract negotiations stand between him and the team as the NHL trade deadline approaches in just a few days.

Why it matters

Sherwood's uncertain contract status could make him a potential trade target for other teams ahead of the deadline, as the Sharks may look to move him rather than risk losing him for nothing in free agency.

The details

Sherwood, who has played for the Sharks since 2021, said on Tuesday morning before the team's home game against the Montreal Canadiens that he is "waiting to hear back" from the organization about a potential new contract. With the trade deadline looming, Sherwood's future in San Jose remains unclear.

  • The NHL trade deadline is just days away on March 8, 2026.

The players

Kiefer Sherwood

A forward for the San Jose Sharks who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

San Jose Sharks

The NHL team that Kiefer Sherwood currently plays for.

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What they’re saying

“I'm waiting to hear back”

— Kiefer Sherwood, Sharks Forward (Times Standard)

What’s next

The Sharks will need to decide whether to trade Sherwood before the March 8th deadline or try to re-sign him to a new contract.

The takeaway

Sherwood's uncertain contract status highlights the difficult decisions NHL teams face at the trade deadline, having to weigh the risk of losing a player for nothing in free agency versus getting value for them in a trade.