Kiefer Sherwood is set to make his debut with the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday evening as they face off against the Colorado Avalanche, who currently lead the NHL standings. This game marks the final matchup for both teams before the Olympic break, adding extra significance to the encounter.
After recovering from an upper body injury that sidelined him, Sherwood fully participated in a 45-minute practice session in Chicago on Tuesday. He skated on the Sharks’ top line, joining teammates Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. The trio will aim to help the Sharks break a three-game losing streak.
Sherwood’s Role and Expectations
Reflecting on his new line mates, Sherwood expressed enthusiasm about playing alongside world-class talent. “Their magic speaks for itself,” he remarked on Tuesday. He emphasized his intent to support Celebrini and Smith by winning pucks back and creating space for them to operate. Sherwood’s addition comes at a crucial time as the Sharks strive to secure a position in the playoffs, currently trailing the Seattle Kraken by three points for the Western Conference’s second wild card spot.
To accommodate Sherwood on the 23-man roster, the Sharks placed forward Ryan Reaves on injured reserve due to an upper body ailment. Reaves is listed as day-to-day, creating an opportunity for Sherwood to step into a significant role immediately.
With 17 goals in just 44 games this season, Sherwood’s performance could be pivotal for the Sharks as they seek to turn their fortunes around. “I’ve been itching for a long time once I found out about the trade,” he shared after practice. “I’m just excited to get to know the guys, play with them, and build something special here.”
As Sherwood prepares for his first game in a Sharks uniform, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he impacts the team’s performance against one of the NHL’s top contenders.
