Rangers want more offence? Sherwood

The Kitchener Rangers landed a big fish, and his name is Kole Sherwood.

The Rangers traded two second-round picks (’19 & ’20 (SSM)), a third-round pick (’21) and a fifth-round pick (’20) to the Flint Firebirds in return for the Columbus Blue Jackets prospect.

“He was top-10 in points last year,” said Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie. “He’s going to add to our already good depth up front and give us another weapon for our offence.”

“I don’t think it was a necessity for our team, it just kind of came up and it made sense.”

Sherwood, who will wear 92 with the Rangers, was reassigned to Flint from the Cleveland Monsters (AHL) on Thursday and was in attendance for the Rangers 5-3 win over the Firebirds stateside Sunday.

In his first year in the OHL, Sherwood was a member of the London Knights. Yes, those London Knights. The Memorial Cup winning London Knights. So, Kole, is it weird being a Ranger?

“My heads been spinning the last 24 hours,” said Sherwood moments after arriving at The Aud and hanging his gear in his new stall. “I’m excited to be here. The history the building holds, and knowing what kind of organization it is, it’s special, and it’s going to be fun.”

With his speed and his shot, Rangers’ fans are sure to have fun watching. As for who he wants to be playing with?

“I’d be lying if I didn’t [think about that],” said Sherwood. “I know they have some high-end forwards here, and I’m excited to play with whoever they put me with.”

“They’re doing pretty good right now… we’re doing pretty good,” laughed Sherwood.

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To make room for the overage forward though, someone had to leave East Ave. The Rangers dealt overage defenceman Doug Blaisdell to the Sudbury Wolves.

“He’s been here for over four years and is a big part of our d-core,” said McKenzie. “[The impending addition of Sherwood] left us in a spot where we had to move one [of the overagers]. It was a tough decision.”

Blaisdell was on the second defensive-pairing most the year, playing with Kyle Gentles. Blaisdell, known for his grit and defensive ability, earned 25 points and 133 PIM in 202 games with the Rangers.

Sherwood is just getting over a high-ankle sprain, but Rangers Nation won’t have to wait long to catch a glimpse of the team’s new asset.

“He’s been cleared to play, if there was a game today, he’d play,” said McKenzie.

There isn’t a game today, but there is one Friday, against Sherwood’s former team, the London Knights.

The Knights have won 13 straight against the Rangers. Pregame on 570 NEWS is 7:00 p.m.