Mike Grier Explains Sharks Decision To Trade Tomas Hertl
Following the trade deadline, San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier talked about what went on behind the scenes of trading Tomas Hertl to the team's biggest rival.
Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports - Mike Grier Explains Sharks Decision To Trade Tomas HertlFollowing the trade deadline, San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier talked about what went on behind the scenes of trading Tomas Hertl to the team's biggest rival.
"For myself and the organization, it's a tough day. To lose a player like Tomas is obviously a really good hockey player, but more importantly, he is a great kid and a great person," Grier said before fielding questions. "Those are what the game is about, being around people like that."
Grier said he hadn't met with anyone from the roster yet but said it wasn't an easy day for any player.
Grier went into some details about how this trade came to the forefront.
"It's been in the works for a little bit. But like I said, it's not an easy thing. I don't think it was an easy decision on Tomas either to come to the conclusion that maybe he wanted to leave the Sharks organization," Grier said. "I know he loves it here. I think he's very thankful. I know it wasn't easy for him, and there were lots of moving pieces. There was some work done on it."
But why make the trade now?
"One, I don't think there was a better return out there than the one we got," Grier explained. Two, there were some feelers put out about it. When you look at the term and the money involved, even with the cap going up, it's not an easy contract for teams to take on. We felt like this was a good time. Tomas himself thought that it was a good opportunity for him."
Grier was honest when it came to how he felt the fans see the way his rebuild is going.
"I think the fans, in general, are smart. It's a smart fan base. I think they have an idea of what's going on here," he explained. When I got here a couple of years ago, we knew it was going to be something that wasn't going to change overnight. It was going to happen over several seasons. These are some of the decisions we knew from day one we might possibly have to make."
Sharks captain Logan Couture was emotional when talking about Hertl. Grier said he hadn't had a conversation with him yet, but his experience as a player helps him understand when he should speak with him.
"I haven't [spoken to him]. From my experience as a player, it's like an open wound for him right now," Grier said. "No need for me to call him when he's maybe emotional about the situation. So tomorrow, I'll definitely sit down with him and have a conversation and let them know where we're coming from."
Grier also talked about what Sharks owner Hasso Plattner said about the team moving on from the fan favorite.
"Hasso and Tomas had a good conversation where I think they both expressed their admiration for each other and appreciation for what each has done for the other," Grier said. "It wasn't anything that was easy for Hasso. I think he understands what we're trying to do and what we're doing, but at the same time, he doesn't like losing. He wants to win, and trading one of your best players is not an easy thing for him. I think he realizes that it's given us what we need to do to push this thing forward."
Hertl is currently on IR but is expected to return for the Golden Knights' playoff push and postseason run.
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