The National Hockey League (NHL) trade landscape is heating up as teams prepare for the March 6 trade deadline. Notably, the Vancouver Canucks are in the spotlight after trading star player Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild last month. This move has sparked speculation about additional trades, particularly involving Kiefer Sherwood.
Canucks Trade Rumors: Kiefer Sherwood on the Move?
Kiefer Sherwood, a 30-year-old left winger, is widely regarded as the Canucks’ most likely candidate for a trade. His name has surfaced in discussions since November, indicating a potential reshuffling of the roster. Recently, Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet mentioned that the San Jose Sharks might have interest in acquiring Sherwood.
The Sharks, currently in a rebuilding phase, are aiming for their first playoff appearance since 2019. Acquiring a player like Sherwood, who is eligible for unrestricted free agency (UFA), would mark a shift in strategy as they consider situating themselves as buyers ahead of the deadline.
Other Potential Moves for the Canucks
- Harman Dayal from The Athletic suggests that the Canucks should expedite trades involving pending UFAs like Sherwood and Evander Kane.
- The Canucks have a surplus of young forwards who require more ice time, necessitating trades.
- Jim Rutherford, the Canucks’ president of hockey operations, has a history of making trades well before deadlines.
Trade speculation continues to swirl around center Elias Pettersson. Patrick Johnston of The Province revealed that there are still inquiries about Pettersson’s availability. The 27-year-old forward signed an eight-year contract after a sensational 2022-23 season, which saw him tally 102 points. However, his struggles this season, combined with his $11.6 million cap hit, raise questions about his attractiveness on the trade market.
Bruins Eyeing Maple Leafs’ Matias Maccelli
Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins are facing challenges and may enter the trade market for offensive help. With an eye on improving their scorelines, they are considering acquiring Matias Maccelli from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic noted that the 25-year-old forward could enhance the Bruins’ offensive strategies among their top nine forwards.
Maccelli’s performance with the Maple Leafs has not met expectations this season, leading to speculation about his availability. The Bruins previously tried to acquire Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth before he was traded to the Maple Leafs last summer, underscoring their ongoing interest.
Conclusion
As the trade deadline approaches, both the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins are actively pursuing strategies to reshape their rosters. With key players like Kiefer Sherwood and Matias Maccelli on the radar, fans can expect to see crucial movements in the NHL landscape in the coming weeks.
