CHICAGO — San Jose Sharks forward Kiefer Sherwood took significant steps at practice on Tuesday.

Sherwood, 30, hasn’t played since Jan. 10 with the Vancouver Canucks after suffering an upper-body injury. The winger would not confirm if he had a hand injury, stating he’s just focused on being ready to play.

“It was good. It’s an exciting, fun group, and just trying to be a part of it and get acclimated. Have a good practice,” Sherwood said. “Just take it day by day. Try to get the body and the mind better each day, and just prepare. You always prepare like you’re gonna play.”

Sherwood skated on the San Jose Sharks’ top line with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. The winger also took part in power-play drills with the second unit. Participating on a power-play unit is often a good sign that an injured player could be returning.

#SJSharks lines at practice:

Smith-Celebrini-Sherwood
Eklund-Misa-Toffoli
Kurashev-Wennberg-Graf
Goodrow-Ostapchuk-Gaudette

Ferraro-Liljegren
Orlov-Klingberg
Mukhamadullin-Desharnais
Dickinson

— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) February 3, 2026

“Those guys are world-class players, and their magic kind of speaks for itself,” Sherwood said. “Just try to play their strengths and win some pucks back and create some space for them, and just get them the puck.”

Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky told reporters that getting a player of Sherwood’s style could really help the group. Sherwood has been skating with the Sharks for the entire five-game road trip. Although he hasn’t played, Sherwood is watching every game. The winger can identify what is needed when he enters the lineup.

“Bring the guys into the fight a little bit. Bring some energy,” Sherwood said. “Each day is an opportunity, and each game is an opportunity to play better and play our style. I just want to add to the identity that the team’s already building.”

Sherwood not confirmed to play per Warsofsky; How will he be activated?

Warsofsky said that it isn’t confirmed that the winger would make his San Jose Sharks debut against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday. Ryan Reaves also missed practice due to an upper-body injury and has been placed on injured reserve. If Reaves goes on IR, that could open up the spot for Sherwood to be activated.

“It would mean a lot. I think that’s why we got him. The way [Sherwood] plays and the competitiveness that he plays with,” Warsofsky said. “We’ll see if he plays. There is no guarantee he plays.”

The Sharks will need to play one of their best games of the season to avoid losing their fourth straight game. With the Olympic break just one game away, a win against the Avalanche would be a perfect send-off.

“One game. We’re gonna have a lot of time off. I said it last night a little bit. We’re in a unique position right now because of how well we played before the season. Now that we’re here, we’re gripping it. We want to play this perfect game and just win the game. Your process helps you win the game,” Warsofsky said.

“We gotta get back to that of just playing a little bit faster, a little bit loose, a little bit more connected. These guys have been playing since they were 2, 3, or 4 years old. Let’s have some fun. Let’s play and just loosen up a little bit. That’s kind of the message here today.”