Since Hertl has a 3 team trade TO clause, I think the odds of DET being 1 of the 3 is really really slim.

I can't see DET making that trade for an upcoming UFA, even if there is an extension tied to it. Cap isn't an issue for DET, so they could just outbid teams for Hertl in July. Gutting prospect depth is not what Steve did in TBL (until they were on the verge of the SCF), so I can't see him doing that here while barely on the verge of a playoff spot.

After looking at Eichel (even with his injury concerns), I think SJS fans are going to be very disappointed in a Hertl trade. The suitors are going to be extremely limited, many are cap strapped, and tons of 1st round picks have been moved already. The best they could hope for is the VGK/Tatar trade, which was a late first, a late 2nd, and a late 3rd. I suspect it'll be even less than that.

I'd wait , sign him in the offseason then

Im not sure I can see that happening. Stevie Y is cheap and Hertl wants a contender plus a bunch of money