In Episode 203 of The Fin Factor, Paul and Aaron provide emotional “therapy” for San Jose Sharks fans following a series of major moves at the 2024 trade deadline. The hosts describe it as a “sad, sad day” and a “whirlwind of emotion” as they process the departure of several long-time players.
The Tomas Hertl Trade (The “Domino” that Shocked Fans)
The most significant and shocking news discussed was the trade of Tomas Hertl to the Vegas Golden Knights.
- The Shock Factor: The hosts were stunned that Hertl was traded to a division rival. They noted that fans felt “punked” because it didn’t seem possible that Hertl would wear the “ugly gold bucket” of Vegas.
- Trade Details: The Sharks received David Edstrom (an 18-year-old Swedish centerman) and a 2025 first-round pick. In return, the Sharks sent Hertl and two third-round picks to Vegas while retaining salary for the remaining six years of his contract.
- Controversy & “Cap Circumvention”: The hosts discussed how Vegas stashed both Mark Stone and Hertl on the IR, likely to bring them back for the playoffs when the salary cap no longer applies. While “shady,” they acknowledged it is legal under current NHL rules.
- Hertl’s Legacy: They reminisced about his famous four-goal game against the Rangers and his iconic “fun must be always” quote, acknowledging how difficult it is to see him leave.
Anthony Duclair and Future Possibilities
Anthony Duclair was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a third-round pick and defenseman Jack Thompson.
- Potential Return: Paul and Aaron highlighted Duclair’s comment that he would “100% entertain” coming back to San Jose as a free agent because the Sharks “treat him right”.
- Jack Thompson: The hosts described Thompson as an “offensively gifted” right-handed defenseman who could eventually be paired with a more defensively-minded player like Henry Thrun or Jake Furlong.
Other Trades and Roster Changes
- Kaapo Kahkonen: Traded to the New Jersey Devils for goaltender Vitek Vanecek. The hosts noted that both Vanecek and Mackenzie Blackwood were currently out with injuries, leaving the net to younger goalies like Magnus Chrona and Devin Cooley.
- Radim Simek: Traded to the Detroit Red Wings for Klim Kostin, who the hosts hoped would bring some much-needed “grit” and size to the forward group.
- Logan Couture: Paul and Aaron acknowledged that Couture is realistic about his trade prospects, knowing it’s difficult to move an aging, injured centerman with several years left on his deal.
Mike Greer’s “Painful Process”
The episode included a clip of GM Mike Grier addressing the fans.
- The Long-Term Plan: Grier acknowledged that the current phase is “painful” but necessary to scrap the old plan and start fresh.
- Building Assets: Greer emphasized that the Sharks now have multiple first-round picks over the next few years to build a sustainable core of “blue-chip” prospects.
- The “Celebrini” Hope: The hosts discussed “tanking” as a precursor to potentially drafting a superstar like Macklin Celebrini, which would finally put “butts in seats” at the SAP Center again.
