Could Boston Bruins be interested in trading for San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl during the offseason?
The 6-foot-3, 214-pound center, 30, hasn’t requested a trade or stated that he wants to leave San Jose’s current full-scale rebuild, but he did leave the door open to at least talking trade with Sharks general manager Mike Grier during the winter.
“Where we are is not an easy situation. We are aware of it, Hertl recently stated to the Mercury News. “We’ll see. Probably not the best time to discuss this now, but once the season is over, once more, what [are] the long-term goals here? Is it better for him to trade me right now so he can obtain something?
Hertl is the second season of an eight-year contract for $65.1 million ($8.1 million AAV), with the first three seasons fully protected by a no-movement provision. Sportsnet NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman described how that contract would probably preclude any Hertl trade until the offseason during his daily appearance on The Jeff Marek Show on Tuesday.
It’s difficult to make a deal during the season with the cap where it is at the moment, Friedman noted. “I’m not sure how many clubs will be able to manage that during the season. That being said, my first query is this: I think San Jose is open to considering pretty much anything, in my opinion. They won’t do anything with prospects, in my opinion, if they don’t think highly of them for their future. They’re obviously not giving up top selections or silly picks, but aside from that, they’re essentially saying, “Hey, have an idea? Give us a call; several of the guys have contracts expiring that they would be prepared to trade for a prospect or a draft pick.
As you mentioned, the Sharks have some trade protection, so I believe the league is aware of that. If someone is interested in a Hertl or a [team captain Logan] Couture, they should call the Sharks and make their offer, and we’ll see where it goes. Simply put, I believe Hertl’s situation makes it extremely difficult to complete within the season.