Quoting: FunMustBeAlways
I get the argument you’re making, but Hertl is very easily a 1C.
Listen, I may be primarily a Wild fan, but I've been a Penguins and Sharks fan since the 90's. Lemieux and that Pens team got me into hockey when I was a kid, and I have followed the Sharks since they came into the league.
So I get it, I really do. But he really isn't one. The Sharks haven't had a legitimate 1C since Pavelski left. Hertl for as good as he is, he's a middle-rung 2C. Just like Mikko Koivu was for the Wild. They're more than capable of handling top line center duties, but really should be on the 2nd line on a cup contending team.
As a Sharks fan, I love Hertl, but he isn't what you're trying to make him out to be. He's not a 1st line center, at least not a true legitimate one. He can handle the role, but it's not ideal, and he would only hold down the spot until Rossi is ready to take it over.
If Koivu was the same age as Hertl is now, and had 1 year left on his contract, would you trade a prospect of Boldy's caliber for him? I wouldn't, and Koivu is my favorite Wild player of all time.