Sharks center Tomas Hertl will be sidelined for several weeks due to a knee surgery to remove loose cartilage, potentially impacting his season with the Sharks already focusing on the draft lottery rather than playoffs, amidst a career where he has significantly contributed to the team despite its struggles.
Tomas Hertl, the Sharks’ center, is on the mend. He’s out for a bit, thanks to a knee surgery to remove some pesky cartilage. GM Mike Grier spilled the beans on Monday. Consequently, Hertl’s been benched on injured reserve, the NHL media site confirms.
Previously, the guy was just day-to-day. A nagging lower-body issue. But then, Hertl dropped a statement about playing in the All-Star Game this month, despite sitting out two games because of his knee. “I’ve been dealing with some knee soreness here and there,” he said. After a chat with the docs and medical team, it seemed okay to push through, including showing up for the NHL All-Star Weekend in Toronto.
Post-Toronto, after some heart-to-hearts with his family and the medical squad, Hertl opted for surgery. “Let’s get this done,” he thought, aiming to bounce back to full strength ASAP. He’s itching to get back on the ice with his team.
With the season winding down and the Sharks eyeing the draft lottery rather than playoffs, this surgery might sideline Hertl for the duration. If that’s the case, it means San Jose’s seen their top two centers, Hertl and captain Logan Couture, play together a mere four times in 2023-24.
Hertl’s in the early days of an eight-year, $65.1M deal signed back in 2022. Despite the Sharks’ struggles, he’s been a beacon of effort. The 30-year-old’s clocking nearly 21 minutes a game, a personal best, leading the team in goals (15) and points (34). Plus, he’s killing it at faceoffs, winning over 56% for the first time since his rookie year.
Even with tough usage, Hertl’s managed to keep his head above water. His 46 percent Corsi share at even strength is seventh on the team. Early into his hefty contract, he’s proving his worth, even if the team’s performance doesn’t show it.
Hertl, snagged 17th overall by San Jose in the 2012 draft, has become a staple for the team. Over 11 seasons, he’s hit the ice in over 700 games, ranking seventh in franchise history with 712 games played. He’s also fifth in goals (218), seventh in assists (266), and sixth in points (484).
With Hertl out, it’s likely Ryan Carpenter and Nico Sturm will snag more ice time. Especially since Couture’s still not 100%. And Thomas Bordeleau, the 2020 second-round pick with 19 points in 26 AHL games this season, might just get another shot in the NHL.
