The Avalanche could bolster their lineup with $1.5 M forward

 

The Colorado Avalanche are seeking to bolster their lineup ahead of the Stanley Cup playoffs. According to one NHL Insider, the team would keep its eyes within the Western Conference as they seek to add forward Kiefer Sherwood from the San Jose Sharks.

Sherwood was recently acquired from the Vancouver Canucks for AHL defenseman Cole Clayton and two 2nd-round picks (2026 & 2027). 

The @Avalanche are poking around and “monitoring closely” the Sherwood situation in SAN Jose. The @SanJoseSharks could move him for a similar package to the one they paid for him , should they feel their playoff chances are slipping away.

— Hockeyy Insiderr (@HockeyyInsiderr) March 3, 2026

What would Kiefer Sherwood bring to the Avalanche? 

Adding Sherwood to the Avalanche lineup would provide the grit and scoring depth needed on a roster that's been a perennial playoff contender in the NHL. 

Last season, he scored 40 points (19-21) as a Canuck, and with the right line and coach, could excel in the Avalanche's lineup. 

Not only can he add scoring depth, but he also led the league in hits last season, with 462 hits in 78 games as a Canuck. 

 
At the moment, the Avalanche has the cap space to make it work, with $2.3 million available to work with, but if the Sharks were generous, the return in trade could be more for the team led by general manager Mike Grier. 

According to PuckPedia, the team has two 2027 2nd-round picks and could attach one defense prospect to complete the trade. 

The only question is whether or not GM Chris McFarland would want to unload that kind of draft capital for someone who could be a rental if he refuses to re-sign with the Avalanche.

Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images