From Minor Leagues To Multi-Millions: Kiefer Sherwood Signs A Major Deal With The San Jose Sharks

Kiefer Sherwood has had a bit of an unusual path through the NHL. After completing college at Miami University in Ohio, the right wing went unselected in the 2018 NHL Draft. He signed with the Anaheim Ducks and had a strong rookie season, tallying six goals and six assists in 50 games.

Over the next three years, he saw his playing time decline as he bounced back and forth between his pro teams and minor league affiliates. He amassed only six points in the NHL in those three seasons, and he spent about 200 fewer minutes on the ice from 2019-2021 combined than he did during his rookie season in 2018.

Sherwood was on a pair of two-way contracts while in Colorado, so he spent more time with the Colorado Eagles in the American Hockey League. He signed a similar two-way deal in 2022, joining the Nashville Predators and spending much of his time with the Milwaukee Admirals, Nashville's affiliate in the AHL. Despite these struggles, Sherwood played exceptionally well in the AHL. That earned him more playing time, and he eventually became a full-time starter.

In just four years, he's gone from a minor leaguer to a star. And he just signed a five-year deal with the San Jose Sharks worth $28.75 million.

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The Sharks acquired Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks in January. There was a possibility the team would release him if the two sides couldn't agree on a deal, but they got it done. Now, Sherwood, who turns 31 at the end of the month, is increasing his career earnings nearly sevenfold.

Sherwood's bounce-back season came in 2023-24. He played in a career-high 68 games, scoring a then-career-best 27 points with the Predators. That earned him a two-year, $3 million contract from the Canucks—and Sherwood kept on producing.

In 78 games during the 2024-25 season, Sherwood achieved his highest goals (19), assists (21), and points (40) in a single season. He also achieved his first hat trick, a feat he pulled off earlier this season, as well.

This year, Sherwood is one shy of his career-high in goals, and there's still about a month and a half remaining in the regular season.

It's a good reminder to always be ready. You never know when your moment to shine might come. Sherwood certainly made the most of his, and it's paying off in a huge way.