SJHN Daily: Why Couture, Hertl Hard To Trade Right Now

Pierre LeBrun thinks that there could be Trade Deadline interest in both Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl — but that’s “more likely that’s a summer conversation.”

While Hertl has returned to All-Star form this year and Couture, when healthy, is seen by many in the league as a perfect second-line center for a Cup contender, they’re both 30-something players with expensive contracts.

After this season, Hertl, 30, has six more years left on his contract with an $8.13 million AAV, while Couture, 34, has three more years left with an $8 million AAV. That’s not easy for an interested team to take on in full.

If the San Jose Sharks retained on either contract, Hertl and Couture could become legitimately valuable trade chips, but the Sharks are already using two salary retention slots on Brent Burns (after this season, just one more year at $2.72 million) and Erik Karlsson (three more years after this one at $1.5 million).

Each team has three salary retention slots, so while Burns and Karlsson are both still on the books, you figure the Sharks will be very careful how they utilize that final slot.

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

David Quinn discusses how he keeps the team’s mindset positive during a losing streak, with Mike Grier watching from the stands.

With the trade deadline approaching, Anthony Duclair discusses the reality of the situation for pending UFAs.

Sharks Locker Room: Ferraro Talks ‘Positive’ Team Dinner, Granlund Breaks Down GWG Assist

Thomas Bordeleau is out day-to-day with injury.

Former San Jose Sharks‘ first-rounder Ozzy Wiesblatt will have surgery on his meniscus.

Details Behind Why Eklund, Hoffman Got Benched (+)

IN OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

The ECHL’s Wichita Thunder unveil their Sharks and Barracuda themed jerseys

BEHOLD: our 2024 Affiliate Jerseys ft. nicknames! ⚡️🦈

our DASH auction for these game-worn and signed jerseys is live RIGHT NOW!

bid on yours now through January 18th: https://t.co/eEa9h58DyY pic.twitter.com/54JEDOVKKm

— Wichita Thunder (@Wichita_Thunder) January 11, 2024

David Quinn tries to motivate his team despite the losing streak.

Could the Edmonton Oilers look to add Duclair at the Trade Deadline?

The #SJSharks are going through it right now.

I feel for them, but like @ColbyCohen36 said, it’s all about winning in the NHL. @DailyFaceoff pic.twitter.com/1iPd4FRDgb

— Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) January 10, 2024

Bad news for the tank!

This won't help the tank: https://t.co/wDp5YpshTp

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) January 11, 2024

AROUND THE NHL…

With rumors swirling after the Cutter Gauthier trade, John Tortorella defends Kevin Hayes.

Could Trevor Zegras be on the move?

"I have my eyes on Trevor Zegras. In speaking with teams around the league, they suggest that Zegras's name has out there."

More on DFO Live: https://t.co/PxWerYGHQH

Presented by @DoorDash pic.twitter.com/5bZsOsBSD8

— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) January 9, 2024

Connor Bedard will miss 6-8 weeks with a broken jaw.

With Linus Ullmark’s injury, could the Boston Bruins look at adding another goalie?

Jesper Wallstedt is looking to improve after his NHL debut.

Jesper Wallstedt took a mature approach out of this one. Admitted he was “pissed” and there were a few Swedish swear words when he left the ice. But knows it’s just one game. Gives him “motivation,” knowing he’s got more to give, things to improve. #mnwild.

— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) January 11, 2024

NHL on ESPN and TNT are seeing upticks in viewership this season.

Nashville Predators top goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov was named an AHL All Star.

Macklin Celebrini heads Central Scouting’s mid-term North American skater Draft rankings.

Jeff Skinner is now out week-to-week.

The New Jersey Devils‘ top forward prospect is an AHL All Star.

Craig Button lists some of the best defenseman available in the 2024 NHL Draft.

Elvis Merzlikins wants out?