3 teams emerge as potential frontrunners for Sharks' top trade chip, Logan Couture

Couture was previously hesitant about waiving his no-trade clause, but has recently become more receptive to the idea, as he is hoping to win a Cup before he retires. Having said that, he hasn't fully committed to leaving San Jose just yet. When he does, though, there are at least 3 teams who are expected to be the frontrunners to enlist his services.

According to the Bleacher Report, the 3 teams leading the way in the Couture sweepstakes are the Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins. There's no question that each of these teams could use a player like Couture, with Boston likely at the front of the pack.

Couture, 34, has yet to play a game this season due to injury, but did play in all 82 games last season, racking up 27 goals and 40 assists for a total of 67 points. There's no confirmation as of yet on what the Sharks might be looking for in return for Couture, but I'd imagine that they won't let him go cheap.