Sherwood is the Engine that Never Stops, But is it Enough?
Kiefer Sherwood was one of the biggest unexpected newcomers to the Nashville Predators in 2022-23. He even scored the team’s first goal of the season in the Global Series and the last goal of the season against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche. Wild stuff.
Despite that, Sherwood has a lot to prove in training camp to earn a starting spot. He was signed to another one-year deal in April, and I do think he’s a serviceable fourth or even third line player who brings energy and has some offensive pop to his game.
Sherwood’s career high in games for a season is 50 set during his rookie campaign with the Anaheim Ducks in 2018-19. He managed 12 points that season, while currently coming off a 13-point season in just 32 games with the Predators.
An early look at a possible fourth line coming out of training camp could looking something like Sherwood at one wing, Michael McCarron on the other with Colton Sissons centering.
This all really hinges on where Ryan Johansen ends up being placed in the lineup, or if he’s traded. If Johansen sticks around, then will he get back a top-six role or move down to the bottom six, which would force Sissons down to the fourth line.
I like the idea of Sissons sharing a fourth line with Sherwood. As of now, there’s a reasonably high chance Sherwood makes the starting lineup out of training camp. Coaches love high-energy guys, and Sherwood also isn’t shy about putting pucks on the net with 57 SOG in his 32 games.