The 3 biggest names left on the trading block after the Eichel trade.

In the early weeks of this particular National Hockey League regular season there was really only one trade that everyone was talking about. All eyes were on the Buffalo Sabres and star forward Jack Eichel, but I am very happy to say that the Eichel saga is over and done with, at least for now.

Now we can take a look at some of the other big names that are reportedly on the trading block this season, and quite frankly we still have some star level talent that is up for grabs. Either due to poor performance from their teams, or simply due to salary cap constraints, here are the 3 biggest names I believe could be traded this season.

#1 Marc-Andre Fleury

The Chicago Blackhawks number one goaltender will not be in Chicago by the time the season has concluded, I would bet on it. Not only did it appear as though Fleury was unhappy with the trade to Chicago in the first place, his agent Allan Walsh famously hinted at the fact that Fleury might outright retire in response to that move, but now he is having to play for a team that has gone 4 - 9 - 2 to start the season and appear to be well out of the playoff picture this season.

Fleury wants to win another cup and with teams like the Edmonton Oilers reportedly expressing interest it sounds like he won't be in Chicago very long at all.

#2 Phil Kessel

A situation that is very similar to Fleury's is the one that Arizona Coyotes forward Phil Kessel currently finds himself in. Kessel is a quality player but he is currently on a very bad team. As bad as the Blackhawks have been this season they still stand above the Coyotes in the Central Division, and it is clear that Kessel's days on that roster are numbered.

Kessel is in the final year of his contract and at 34 years old he doesn't factor into the organization's plans moving forward, especially not considering the Coyotes once again find themselves rebuilding. Kessel himself has reportedly requested a trade, so it seems like it is in everyone's best interest to find a contending team willing to bring Kessel in for a playoff run.

#3 Tomas Hertl

Hertl will be the most controversial name on the list by far given how important he is to the San Jose Sharks offense, but there is reason to suspect that he won't finish the season with the team. The 28 year old centerman is due for a big raise when his contract expires at the end of the season but after some questionable decisions on the part of Sharks general manager Doug Wilson, most notably the contracts given to Evander Kane and Erik Karlsson, there are legitimate questions about whether or not they can get Hertl under the cap on a new deal. In fact Sharks insider Kevin Kurz gave the team no better than a 50-50 chance of getting the deal done.

Hertl had 43 points in 50 games last season and is off to another hot start this year with 6 goals and 4 assists for a combined total of 10 points through just 14 games. If the Sharks remain out of playoff contention, as they currently are sitting ahead of only the Seattle Kraken and Vancouver Canucks in the Pacific Division, there is a good shot Hertl could be on a new team before season's end.