San Jose Sharks winger Tomas Hertl will be sidelined for several weeks after undergoing surgery on his left knee to remove loose cartilage. The team announced the news on Monday, revealing that an exact timeline for Hertl’s return has yet to be determined.
Hertl, who leads the Sharks with 15 goals and 34 points, has been dealing with soreness in his left knee throughout the season. Despite ongoing discomfort, he was advised by the Sharks’ medical staff that the injury would not worsen and that he could continue playing. In fact, he even participated in the NHL All-Star Game in Toronto before being forced out of the lineup.
After returning from the All-Star Game and consulting with his family and the team’s medical staff, Hertl made the difficult decision to undergo surgery to correct the issue. The procedure aims to ensure a full recovery and a return to 100% health as soon as possible.
This setback comes at a particularly unfortunate time for the struggling Sharks. Despite winning four of their last six games, they remain near the bottom of the NHL standings with the worst record. The promising performances have been overshadowed by Hertl’s absence, leaving the team without their leading scorer and offensive threat.
With the Sharks currently holding the best odds to secure the first overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft, their focus may shift towards the future rather than immediate success. Boston University’s Macklin Celebrini is projected to be the top pick, and the Sharks could greatly benefit from adding a promising young talent to their roster.
After a bye week, the Sharks are set to resume play against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday. The team will need to find ways to compensate for Hertl’s production during his absence and continue their recent momentum in order to climb up the standings.
Despite the adversity, Hertl maintains a positive outlook on the situation and looks forward to getting back on the ice alongside his teammates as soon as possible. His determination to return to full strength will undoubtedly serve as motivation for the Sharks as they navigate the challenging road ahead.
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