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The Boston Bruins could be looking at landing an impending UFA winger from a West Coast club looking to unload.
The Boston Bruins could be among the teams looking to land one of the most talked-about names on the trade block this season.
During the November 29 edition of Saturday Headlines, insider Elliotte Friedman discussed the future of Vancouver Canucks forward Kiefer Sherwood. Sherwood, an impending UFA, has been among the names tossed around as potential trade candidates this season.
According to Friedman, the Bruins are one of the teams that have kicked the tires on Sherwood. The 30-year-old has 12 goals in 25 games for an underperforming Canucks’ club. The notable insider mentioned several clubs, with the Bruins being the most intriguing team on the list.
Boston is in the midst of a solid bounce-back season. So, it would make sense for GM Don Sweeney to look into pulling off a trade to bolster the club’s scoring. Beyond the usual suspects, the Bruins have had trouble scoring goals.
Sherwood is in the final year of a two-year contract, carrying a $1.5 million cap hit. That’s a highly palatable cap hit. Unlike other possible options on the trade market, the Bruins wouldn’t have trouble fitting Sherwood’s cap hit.
As for the likelihood of actually getting a deal done, there’s nothing imminent. That could change as the Canucks’ season is circling the drain. December could be the month that determines what path Vancouver takes.
Ultimately, the Canucks are “open for business.” So, that’s a situation that a team like the Bruins can take advantage of. A deal would largely depend on what the Canucks want to get back for a player like Sherwood.
How Sherwood Fits into Bruins Lineup
Sherwood could make an interesting fit on the Bruins’ top line. The club has been experimenting with different options there. At the moment, the top line could look solid with Elias Lindholm, David Pastrnak, and Kiefer Sherwood. That would allow Marco Sturm to deploy Pavel Zacha with Casey Mittelstadt and Morgan Geekie on the second line.
But with Geekie becoming the Bruins’ top goalscorer this season, keeping Geekie on the top line could move Sherwood to the second line with Zacha and Mittelstadt.
Most importantly, adding Sherwood offers the Bruins plenty of flexibility. For instance, Pastrnak is currently day-to-day with a mild injury. Having Sherwood in the lineup could offset the absence of Pastrnak in the top six.
With a full, healthy lineup, the top six could become even more potent and effective.
Boston Must Avoid Overpaying for Sherwood
Kiefer Sherwood could be a good piece for the Bruins. But the club must avoid overpaying. The Canucks will likely want an arm and a leg for the impending UFA. But that could just be their asking price.
It would be wise for Don Sweeney to take a deep breath and see how the situation unfolds. If other teams are desperate enough to pay, well, let them pay up. In the meantime, Boston would do well to avoid turning over potentially valuable assets for a player who may or may not remain with the team.
The Bruins have put together a decent season as it is. While adding Sherwood would be a boost, it’s not worth paying more than they should.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
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