Tuesday the Anaheim Ducks announced the signing of free agent forward Kiefer Sherwood from the University of Miami of Ohio.
The Anaheim Ducks are like most other teams this is the time of year. For lack of a better term, this part two of NHL club’s efforts to sign young players. These signings stem from two areas. Draft picks finishing up their respective junior or college seasons are the first group.
NHL teams have increased their pursuit of college free agents in recent years. There are players who develop later than their drafted counterparts and needed additional coaching and ice time to take a step forward.
Youth Development
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Before signing on to play with Miami, Kiefer Sherwood came up through the USA development system. He started with the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets and went on to play a handful of games with the United States National Development Team. His final pre-college stop was for two seasons with the USHL team in Youngstown, where he scored 90 points in 126 games.
College Standout
He played three seasons as a member of the Miami Redhawks. Although the Miami program hasn’t been what it was the past few seasons, Sherwood has stood out. In 106 NCAA games, he scored 34 goals, dished out 52 assists, and collected 52 penalty minutes.
His best season came in 2016-17 when he scored 38 points (14g, 24a). After which he had several offers to sign an NHL contract, but declined. It was good for second on his team in scoring. In addition, he earned academic all-conference honors.
What’s Next
It’s possible he could suit up for the Anaheim Ducks this season, but unlikely. As per their method of operations, the Ducks have assigned Sherwood to their AHL affiliate in San Diego. He will be able to skate with the Gulls for the remainder of their regular season and playoffs.
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Sherwood is the type of heady, team player GM Bob Murray likes in the organization. He is the type of college upperclassmen polished and mature enough to step into professional situations quickly.