Noting that Hertl has “emerged as the likely most in-demand player as we hurdle toward the deadline”, Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff has ranked the San Jose Sharks’ forward at the top of his list for the 20-most likely traded players in the NHL this season.
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Seravalli notes that Hertl’s name had been out there for a while, but with the Sharks not having a good season as a team, but Hertl having a fantastic season individually – he’s on pace for a career-high 39 goals – Hertl would fetch a decent return for the Sharks and offer some decent pieces as they reshape the team and think longer-term. Anything can happen, but the Sharks have fallen out of the playoff race and with just a 16 percent chance to get in, they are likely to be sellers.
One team Seravalli says to keep an eye on here is the New York Rangers. They are contenders and are rumored to be looking to add this season.
The NHL insider also has Evander Kane on his list of players available from the Sharks and notes that if Kane isn’t traded, a summer buyout is the most likely conclusion to the drama between the team and the forward. Kane has played well in the AHL with Barracuda, but the Sharks have recalled eight different players since Kane started playing down there and it’s unlikely he ever sees another shift with the Sharks.
Other Names on Seravalli’s Board
Rounding out the Top 20 are Ben Chiarot of the Montreal Canadiens, Jakob Chychrun and Lawson Crouse of the Arizona Coyotes (ranked No. 3 and No. 4), and Alexandar Georgiev of the New York Rangers.
It was not mentioned if there was any chance the Sharks and Rangers would include Hertl and Georgiev in the same trade.
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