The Vancouver Canucks are going to trade pending unrestricted free-agent forward Kiefer Sherwood before the deadline this season, and according to multiple reports, keep an eye on the Boston Bruins as the landing spot.

Sherwood has Bruins written all over him considering his style of play, and the two teams have actually been discussing this move dating back to last summer. Sherwood’s been on a tear this season, scoring 16 goals and 20 points in 36 games. He’s averaging 17:29 of ice-time per game, including in all situations, and he’s landed a whopping 164 hits, almost 100 more than any of his teammates. 

Hockey insider Chris Johnston recently wrote a piece on trade destinations and sees the Bruins getting the job done to land Sherwood this season.

Sherwood is a prototypical Bruin: big, fast and tenacious on the forecheck. As such, he’s viewed as a player who would be a great fit in an organization that is building back up following last year’s reset.

What’s more, the Canucks and Bruins have explored potential trade fits on a variety of players dating to the summer.

The biggest hurdle here might be the asking price. Vancouver is seeking a meaningful return for a player who looks poised to blow past 20 goals for the first time in his career, and Boston isn’t expected to be chasing rentals at this deadline. However, these teams might be able to thread the needle if this trade comes with a contract extension for Sherwood, which is something he’d be open to.

Sherwood’s owed just $1.5 million AAV this season and doesn’t have any trade protection. Word is the Canucks are asking for one first-round pick, and one top-tier prospect who is close to NHL ready, and could even slide into the lineup to close out the season. Keep an eye on Matt Poitras coming out of Boston in this transaction. 

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