kiefer sherwood is still waiting on clarity about his contract situation with the San Jose Sharks as the NHL trade deadline closes in. Speaking Tuesday morning (ET) in San Jose before the Sharks’ home game against the Montreal Canadiens, he said he was “waiting to hear back” from his agent on where negotiations stand. The next few days will determine whether the winger stays put for a playoff push or becomes a deadline move for the Sharks to recover assets.
Deadline clock: contract uncertainty meets roster decision
The Sharks acquired kiefer sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 19 in a deal that included two second-round draft picks and defenseman Cole Clayton. Not long after that trade, it was stated that the gap between San Jose and Sherwood’s camp on what a new contract should look like was substantial.
On Tuesday morning (ET), Sherwood described his approach as largely hands-off while he waits for updates from his agent, Judd Moldaver. “Hopefully things will take care of itself sooner than later, ” Sherwood said. “My focus has just been on playing, and I trust him. He’s going to take care of everything like that. I’ve got a lot of faith in him for whatever happens. I’m just focused on playing, and it’s a big game tonight. ”
Sharks general manager Mike Grier confirmed that early talks did occur after the trade. “Post trade, we had a quick conversation, ” Grier said on Jan. 22. “But we were just more focused on how excited we were to add Kiefer to the group, and I think he’s going to love it here. He’s excited. We’re excited to have him, and we think it’s a great fit. So hopefully down the road at some point, we’ll be able to work something out. ”
Kiefer Sherwood talks: focused on playing while agent handles negotiations
San Jose’s situation is made sharper by timing: Tuesday’s game was described as the Sharks’ last before the trade deadline on Friday at noon (PST). Even without an extension in place by then, the Sharks still have the option to keep Sherwood for the stretch run and continue working toward a new deal. But if the Sharks believe an agreement cannot be reached—and want to recoup at least some of what they spent to acquire him—the decision has to be made before that Friday deadline window closes.
The playoff stakes are also immediate. San Jose entered Tuesday three points out of a playoff spot with 24 games to play, framing the choice between adding stability for a push or moving a pending unrestricted free agent for return value.
For Sherwood, the public message was controlled and direct, emphasizing mindset over negotiation details. “I try to be grateful for the position I’m in, ” Sherwood said. “Anytime that you generate whatever noise, it’s probably a good thing. So I just try to focus on what I can control, being here, being where my feet are, and bringing it every night. The focus is, truthfully, just trying to get it force our way into the playoffs. ”
Cap planning adds pressure as Sharks weigh long-term priorities
Any extension also sits inside a broader financial plan. The Sharks have close to $55 million in cap space available for next season, per PuckPedia, but only 11 NHL players under contract and multiple roster holes to address.
Grier also must consider future contract needs: the organization is looking ahead to guard cap flexibility tied to potential offer sheets for Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith and to re-sign them to what were described as likely expensive extensions after their entry-level deals expire following the 2026-2027 season. Center Michael Misa and defensemen Sam Dickinson will also need new deals after the 2027-28 season.
That larger picture shapes the decision that now sits directly in front of San Jose: whether kiefer sherwood fits not only the immediate chase, but the longer runway of cap management and roster construction. The next developments are expected to come quickly as the trade deadline approaches, with both a contract update and a potential move remaining live possibilities.
