After a string of disappointing seasons, the San Jose Sharks appear poised for a major overhaul. The club's intentions became clearer when they let go of notable assets like Erik Karlsson earlier in the offseason.
Recently, San Jose's General Manager Mike Grier announced the possibility of a trade involving the team's Captain, Logan Couture, as well as star forward Tomas Hertl.
"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
Player's Perspective: Couture and Hertl Committed to the Sharks
Despite the speculation surrounding their futures, both Couture and Hertl remain under long-term contracts with the Sharks. Couture's commitment extends until the 2026-27 season, whereas Hertl is just starting the second year of his eight-year agreement.
Addressing their current stance, Grier emphasized that both players remain devoted to the franchise and its vision.
"They're all in," Grier commented, "They enjoy working with (head coach David Quinn) and the coaching staff. They're excited by some of the young players."
Given the complexity of their contracts, any potential trades involving Hertl and Couture would likely require their agreement.
Hertl's contract features a no-move clause that lasts through 2025, and Couture possesses a comprehensive 29-team no-trade clause.