NHL Rumors: 2 San Jose Sharks Trade Candidates

The San Jose Sharks are 25-25-7 on the season and aren't in the playoff race in the Western Conference. Their a team full of bad contracts and management is trying to transition to a new younger core for the future. The Sharks have a couple of players drawing a tremendous amount of trade interest from other teams and it's likely San Jose tries to cash in on a couple of assets before the March 21 trade deadline. Let's dive into the waters and tag two Sharks who are expected to be moved before next Monday:

Tomas Hertl

Hertl is near the top of every trade bait list across the best insiders in the game and any move out of San Jose will be a blockbuster. Hertl's been a beast this season, recording 44 points in 57 games and the 28-year-old has caught the attention of just about every contending team. So far the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, and Washington Capitals have been heavily linked to a Hertl deal and if he does end up getting moved out of California, expect to see the versatile forward head to the eastern conference. He's signed for $5.6 million this season and holds no-trade protection against only three teams, so the Sharks will certainly have some options to consider. 

The Sharks are still trying to re-sign Tomas Hertl on a long-term deal but they seem to be failing to meet Hertl's demands. Right now we think there is a better chance Hertl will be traded before the Trade Deadline than re-signing with San Jose. He's great two-way forward. pic.twitter.com/cB23GZoPg5

— Andy & Rono 📊 (@HockeyStatsCZ) March 11, 2022

Andrew Cogliano

The veteran speedster is enjoying the back nine of his career and is a pending unrestricted free agent who could be a great rental for a playoff bound club. Cogliano has appeared in 51 games this season for the Sharks, recording 14 points and his $1-million cap hit will be easy for teams to fit in under their cap. Cogliano's resume speaks for itself and any team who acquires the 34-year-old will be getting a defense-first type of forward who can kill penalties and can provide some more depth for a team's bottom-six. In 100 career Stanley Cup playoff games, the native of Toronto has recorded 29 points, it's likely he gets a chance to play in his 101st career postseason game this season. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers could have some trade interest before the deadline. 

Photo credit:  Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports