Kiefer Sherwood’s final moments as a Vancouver Canuck seemed fitting for the hard-working player he is: bag skating.

After being told to come off the ice, he received the news that he was going to the San Jose Sharks. In return, the Canucks get a pair of second-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027, as well as defender Cole Clayton.

Speaking to the media after the trade, Sherwood had plenty of positive things to say about playing in Vancouver.

“First and foremost, I’m really thankful for everything that the city and this organization has given me,” Sherwood said. “I know they say you earn it, but you’ve got to have the opportunity. And as a guy that has been a late bloomer, [this was] everything I could have hoped for and more, and this is really a special place to play.

“The hard part at times about the business is you get attached to certain cities and communities. And I feel like this city and place to play in this organization, they do things the right way. They really live and breathe hockey… It’s been a mutual respect and appreciation.”

Because of the Canucks’ scheduled optional skate, the 30-year-old winger hadn’t had a chance to see all his now ex-teammates between getting the news and talking to reporters. “I guess that’s when it started to sink in a little bit, just giving everyone hugs,” Sherwood said. “There’s a lot of special guys in there, and I think when you spend more time with the team, you get closer to certain guys and make relationships for life.”

Sherwood completely understands why the trade was made and why it made sense for the Canucks to move him now. The franchise is staring down the barrel of a true rebuild, and the draft picks added will go towards restocking the barren prospect cupboard. Sherwood’s stellar play was a luxury they couldn’t afford to keep. “The organization is going to benefit from this, with the picks and whatnot, so I’m just really grateful for everything.”

Despite the Canucks’ lack of team success, Sherwood found a higher gear in Vancouver than in any of his previous career stops. He broke 40 points in 2024-25 and set the NHL record for hits in a single season. This year, he leaves as the Canucks leading goal scorer with 17, two shy of his career high set last season. All while the Canucks around him had two of their worst seasons in team history.

Sherwood took a very philosophical approach to that juxtaposition.

“As a competitor, you always get frustrated after every loss, so of course there’s frustration, but that’s life,” Sherwood said.

“There’s things that you have to control, and there’s so many things that happen outside of our control, and the things that we were dealt as a team and the adversity over the past two years that are out of our control. And sometimes it’s not what happens, but it’s how you respond. And I think that’s a big lesson that the organization’s moving forward [with]. I know that they’re in a better spot, hopefully now, than they were when I came in.”

That direction forward was set in stone when Quinn Hughes was traded to the Minnesota Wild last month. Sherwood doesn’t feel the two moves are completely correlated, but knows there’s some crossover.

“Everyone’s path’s a little different, and everyone’s career,” Sherwood said about Hughes’ move. “He’s a special player. Obviously, he did a lot for the city. I think the direction of the team took a turn, and they’re doing what’s best for them. So business is business at the end of the day, and I think that’s sometimes the hard part about it.

“I think it’s a little separate. I didn’t really think too much about it, but Quinn’s always a friend for life, and obviously he did a lot for the city too.”

Due to dealing with an undisclosed injury, Sherwood isn’t sure if he’ll be able to play against his former club when the Sharks come to Vancouver on January 27. But the opportunity to play alongside budding stars like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith isn’t lost on him.

“Their rebuild has probably happened quicker than they thought, and I know they have some special players coming up in their system. So yeah, it’s pretty exciting, but I’m just trying to be in the present right now and process everything. I’m looking forward to the new start. But also just want to say how grateful I am here.”

In a different universe, one where the Canucks are more competitive, Sherwood probably signs an extension as the final puzzle piece for a Championship-calibre roster. That wasn’t meant to be, but Sherwood will still look back on his time in Vancouver with tremendous fondness.

“I have nothing but great memories,” Sherwood said. “Me and my wife are expecting, and maybe telling [our daughter] about all the great times that we had here, and showing her some great memories. I just leave with my head held high, and nothing but just appreciative.

“Looking back, I couldn’t have asked for anything more from my experience in Vancouver. Like to have the fans be as appreciative as they are, and even chant my name is crazy, you know, it’s something I still sometimes process and look back on.”

Watch the full Kiefer Sherwood availability here: