I just don't think NSH should be a buyer at the deadline. They aren't a Tomas Hertl away from a cup.

2017 and 2018 were the years the Preds had to win it all.

While Duchene a nd Johanson are having bounce back years, they aren't good enough to take a team to the cup

Sharks are going to want a better prospect than that coming back.

As fun as it would be to add Hertl, I don't think it's a move NSH should make. Out of curiosity though, what would you say to Svechkov and a 2nd for Hertl? I understand SJ is in need of center prospects the most.

My understanding earlier this year they came out and said that the offer would have to be ridiculous for them to trade Hertl. Now if the deadline comes along and the sharks are out of it I expect them to move him. The ask was rumored at a 1st plus a top prospect. So in this situation I think they would counter with Svechkov + a 1st. Probably not ideal for Nashville, I feel they’ve really punched up this year.

My understanding earlier this year they came out and said that the offer would have to be ridiculous for them to trade Hertl. Now if the deadline comes along and the sharks are out of it I expect them to move him. The ask was rumored at a 1st plus a top prospect. So in this situation I think they would counter with Svechkov + a 1st. Probably not ideal for Nashville, I feel they’ve really punched up this year.

I actually had a Hertl for Svechkov + 1st trade in a mock I made a couple weeks ago. The Sharks fans loved it, Preds fans felt it was too much. Maybe a conditional 2nd (that becomes a 1st if NSH makes the conference finals) is the middle ground?

I'm more optimistic about NSH's chances right now than most, but I think paying big futures for a rental is too much of a risk for even the top contenders this year. We've seen what can happen when a handful of positive tests decimates your roster. Paying a 1st+ to increase your chances, when you could so easily have 8-9 AHLers, or a 4th string goalie in the lineup to start the playoffs would be soul-crushing.

While Hertl is an awesome player, I wouldn’t give up 2 first round picks for a rental in a year I don’t think we’re contenders.