3 Potential Landing Spots For Tomas Hertl
San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl is one of the biggest rental candidates at this year's trade deadline. The 27-year-old has one year left on his contract and is known that he isn't close to signing an extension at this time. The Sharks have started the year pretty well, but if they cool off like most hockey fans assume they will, Hertl will surely be dealt.
Here are three teams who could consider adding the top-six forward.
Minnesota Wild: The Minnesota Wild are viewed as a very strong team from the Western Conference, but to take that next step, they need to upgrade at center. Hertl would be a perfect short-term fix at a minimum for them. If the Wild want to have themselves a deeper postseason run than last season, they'll need to add at least one top-six center by the deadline. Expect them to heavily pursue Hertl if the Sharks are unable to extend him first.
Boston Bruins: Like the Wild, the Bruins are desperate for a second line center. They of course lost David Krejci over the summer and Hertl would be a very solid replacement. Although Charlie Coyle has done well to start the campaign, the Bruins need more to win one last Stanley Cup with their aging core. Having a second line that has Taylor Hall and Hertl would make the Bruins far scarier to play against.
Colorado Avalanche: With the Avalanche being linked to Jack Eichel, it's clear that they want another top-of-the-line center. Yet, with the Sabres are not willing to retain salary, it would be wise for them to consider going the cheaper route with Hertl. Furthermore, Hertl would be able to help them immediately this postseason, while Eichel's injury makes him questionable on that front. Having Nathan MacKinnon, Nazem Kadri and Hertl down the middle would make the Avalanche ridiculously strong.
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