Scoring nine goals in 13 games, tied as the second-highest goal scorer in the NHL, Kiefer Sherwood has really found another gear in his game so far this season, and is looking like somebody the Canucks could heavily shop if their situation isn't great at the trade deadline.
The Canucks haven’t started as they would have liked to, but middle six guys like Sherwood performing how they are is exactly the attitude they need while they try to figure out their slump and offensive issues, and could be a blessing in disguise down the line.
As a physical power forward, Sherwood really has taken advantage of scoring issues for the Canucks, and really put his front foot forward, taking everything in his stride to help his team. After joining Vancouver last season, Sherwood has already put up almost half of his goals total from last season, and is really growing into his role as a heavy netfront presence. But not only is he one of the Canucks biggest goal threats at the moment, but he is still the gritty grinder they love so much.
It is safe to say among a lot of the big power forwards in the league, Kiefer Sherwood is one of the guys that players hate to play the most. He is a physical hitting machine, isn't afraid to get physical, and has all the attributes of a playoff hockey forward. He plays every game like it's his last, and is turning into a really complete power forward. Look at guys like Matthew Tkachuk -- he is an offensive weapon, but a pain to match up against. Sherwood almost looks identical, and during a time of need in Vancouver, he is really taking the team on his back.
Whether it is getting physical on the boards, chirping guys on the bench, or just driving the net with force, Sherwood is really living by this play hard mentality, and is really capitalising on a good situation. Say the Canucks are struggling come trade deadline time, he is a guy they would really have to make a big decision on. If his game continues to flourish, and he continues to improve, it would be crazy for any playoff bound team not to want to bring him in.
A big, physical guy who can score is what you need in the playoffs, and although he is the guy right now, teams will remember this moment, and he should be on the radar of every serious team in need of a workhorse up top.