San Jose Sharks

Kiefer Sherwood Traded to Sharks for Two Picks and Defenceman Cole Clayton

The Vancouver Canucks have traded Kiefer Sherwood to the San Jose Sharks for two picks and a defenseman.

by
NHL Trade Talk
January 19, 2026

The Vancouver Canucks have traded Kiefer Sherwood. As broken by Elliotte Friedman, and in a deal now confirmed by both teams, the popular forward is headed to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for two second-round picks and defenceman Cole Clayton.

Sherwood was clearly one of the more popular players heading into the trade deadline this season. He is a pending UFA having a career year, and one making a relatively low salary for the production he’s providing. The Canucks, rumored to be asking for a first-rounder in return, did not get the ask they were hoping for. When the price dropped, the trade happened rather quickly.

Sherwood, 30, is enjoying a strong season with Vancouver, scoring 23 points in 44 games while leading the team in goals and ranking second in the NHL in hits. The physical winger has 121 points in 309 NHL games and brings a proven scoring history at both the NHL and AHL levels.

The trade details are as follows:

Trade details:

To the Sharks: F Kiefer Sherwood

To the Canucks: 2026 SJS 2nd Round Pick, a 2027 SJS 2nd Round Pick, and D Cole Clayton

“We would like to thank Kiefer for all his hard work and dedication in Vancouver,” said GM Patrik Allvin. “As an organization, we take a lot of pride in giving him the opportunity to grow and excel as a player. Given where things currently stand and the direction of our rebuild, we felt it was necessary to make a move like this as we continue to build our pipeline. In addition to adding two draft picks, Cole is a right-shot defenceman who will report to Abbotsford.”

What are the Canucks Getting Back for Sherwood?

While the two picks are a big part of the trade, Clayton, 25, has played 33 games with the San Jose Barracuda this season, posting five points and 21 penalty minutes. The 6’2”, right-shot defenseman has 66 points in 257 career AHL games over five seasons, plus playoff experience across 14 Calder Cup games.

More to come…

Next: Five Weeks Later: Checking in on the Quinn Hughes Blockbuster