San Jose Sharks winger Tomas Hertl is facing a significant setback as he will be sidelined for several weeks after undergoing surgery to remove loose cartilage in his left knee. The team made the announcement on Monday, but no specific timeline for Hertl’s return has been established yet. This comes as a blow to the Sharks, as Hertl has been instrumental in their recent success, leading the team with 15 goals and 34 points.
Hertl disclosed that he had been dealing with intermittent soreness in his left knee throughout the season. Despite consulting with the Sharks’ medical staff, who assured him that the injury would not worsen and that he could continue playing, Hertl decided to address the issue. Initially missing two games before the All-Star break, Hertl still participated in the All-Star Game in Toronto, logging over 12 minutes of ice time.
With Hertl on the sidelines, the Sharks will closely monitor his rehabilitation progress, aiming to provide updates on his condition in due course. The team is hopeful that Hertl, who has been an essential contributor this season, can make a swift recovery and rejoin his teammates on the ice as soon as possible.
Hertl’s absence poses a formidable challenge for the San Jose Sharks, who have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. Winning four out of their last six games, including an overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks, the team has been making strides despite their overall struggles. However, with Hertl out of the lineup, the Sharks will need other players to step up and fill the void left by their leading scorer.
As the Sharks prepare to return from their bye week and face the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, they will have to adjust their game plan without the presence of Hertl. The team currently sits just two points ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks for the league’s worst record. While the Sharks’ focus is undoubtedly on improving their on-ice performance, the possibility of securing the strongest odds in the NHL draft lottery looms.
Looking ahead to the future, all eyes will be on Boston University freshman center Macklin Celebrini, who is projected to be the first overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft. The draft will take place at The Sphere in Las Vegas, and Celebrini’s potential arrival brings hope for teams eager to secure a transformative player.
The San Jose Sharks find themselves facing a significant setback with the loss of Tomas Hertl due to his knee injury. The team must now rally together to navigate this challenging period without their leading scorer. As players like Macklin Celebrini prepare for the upcoming NHL draft, the Sharks look towards the future, hoping to rebuild and emerge from this difficult season stronger than ever.
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