NHL Rumors: Sharks and Bruins Could Produce Blockbuster Trade

The 2023-24 NHL season is right around the corner as training camps have opened up across the league and one team already stirring the trade pot  - the San Jose Sharks. 

General manager Mike Grier has made it known he's willing to trade a couple of his veterans as the Sharks continue to rebuild and are focusing on finding young assets and draft picks for the future. Grier made it clear if one of Tomas Hertl or Logan Couture want out, he'll work through the process and find both players new homes.

I check in with (Hertl and Couture) a lot, and if there ever were to come a time when they felt like they needed or wanted to go somewhere else, it's definitely something I would listen to, and if it made sense for us, I would explore it - Mike Grier, Sharks GM

Hertl is 29 years old and is signed through the 2029-30 season at $8.1 million. His trade protection is a full no-move clause, however after next season this changes to a three team trade list, much like Couture has now. 

Hertl recorded 63 points in 79 games last season and has showed himself well in the postseason, posting 42 points in 62 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Meanwhile Couture is signed for four more seasons at $8 million flat and registered 67 points in 82 games last season in San Jose.

Insert the Boston Bruins. A team desperate for forward depth and a team expected to be very aggressive on the trade market this season. There's already been some rumblings Grier and Don Sweeney have held preliminary discussions in case either of the Sharks big guns want out and Boston is on the approval list.

Keep an eye on the Bruins and Sharks this season, it could be a doozy.

Photo credit:  Terrence Lee-USA TODAY Sports