Tomas Hertl News

Hertl is expected to practice on Thursday but at this point still is not expected to play again this season.

A former NHL team trainer familiar with Hertl's type of injury told CSNCalifornia.com the “best case” scenario for Hertl to return would be approximately 12 weeks. More likely, Hertl will be out of action from six to nine months, which would keep him out the remainder of the 2013-14 season.

There is no official timetable for Hertl's return but he is expected to miss at least a couple of months. After surgery we will have a better idea of how long he will be out.

Hertl left Thursday's game in the first period an did not return after a knee-on-knee collision with Kings forward Dustin Brown. Brown was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for the incident. The play did not appear to have any intent, simply two players that were trying to avoid each other but were unable to do so. This is a tough break for the rookie who was enjoying a tremendous start to his NHL career potting 15 goals and adding 10 assists in his first 35 games. Hertl is having an MRI today, so a more accurate timetable should be available later.

The 19-year-old is leading the NHL in goals and when he is in the lineup, he should be in your lineup. He has shown great early chemistry with Joe Thornton and Brent Bruns, so expect things to continue.

Hertl was forced from Saturday's game with a head injury, but appears as if he'll be able to play tonight. The rookie sensation currently leads the NHL in goals, so if he plays, he should be in your lineup.

Hertl, who leads the NHL in goals with seven, received a blow to the shoulder/head area from Ottawa’s Clarke MacArthur with 2:14 to go in the second period. He skated immediately to the dressing room, did not play in the third period, and missed practice on Sunday.

Buy, buy, buy. I'm not expecting Patrick Kane circa-2007-08 season rookie scoring numbers but Hertl is providing the flair and energy that the Sharks haven't seen in years. He's worth a roster spot in everyday leagues to ride while he's hot.

The 17th overall pick in 2012 showed in the preseason that he’s skilled enough to play at an NHL level, scoring three goals and an assist in four games, and his big six-foot-two, 210-pound frame should help him better withstand the rigors of an NHL schedule. “Tomas being my linemate, it’s been a lot of fun,” Thornton said. “Me and Burnzie have been smiling a lot, just enjoying his company out there. I think with getting some young guys in here, it adds a little bit more enthusiasm in the room.” This is a great opportunity for the 19 year old and is worthy of a roster spot in deep leagues.

At 6-foot-2 and 210 lbs., Hertl is a great skater who is not afraid to go to the dirty areas and put the puck in the net. Skating on a line with Joe Thornton and Brent Burns all preseason Hertl has scored three goals with one assist and is a plus-3 in three games. Should he make the roster and stick in the San Jose top-six, he will become fantasy relevant. Keep his name in mind towards the end of your draft.