Tomas HertlWe are closing in on an 8-year contract extension with The San Jose SharksA source confirmed the news to ESPN on Wednesday.
Financial terms weren’t immediately available.
Hertl was on the last season in a $22.5 million, four-year deal. Trade rumors had swirled about Hertl for weeks, but San Jose was determined to reach an agreement that would lock Hertl up for the long-term.
Hertl was selected 17th in the 2012 NHL draft by the Sharks. Since then, he has become the Sharks’ top-line centre. Hertl has been the face of the franchise since his 2018-19 breakout season with 74 points.
He was a Czech Republic native and had publicly stated that he wanted San Jose to remain. However, he was only seeking a “fair deal” in negotiations with Sharks. Long-term contracts attached to players in their 30s, some of whom have declined on the ice, have made it difficult for San Jose to manage its salary cap.
San Jose is currently experiencing a shortage of residents. Marc-Edouard VlasicContract until 2026 for $7 million per Year Erik KarlssonYou can lock in your contract until ’27 for $11.5 million per year Brent BurnsUp to ’25: $8 Million per Year Logan CoutureAnnual $8 Million until ’27
It didn’t look like adding another max-contract to the mix would work. However, Hertl was able to come up with a plan in recent days that could keep him in the Sharks fold.
Hertl expressed confidence that “we’ve got some great young guys,” this week. “I don’t believe we’ve had as many in the past. I hope they will be able come and have fun. However, you shouldn’t rush and put them in top positions if they’re not ready.
TSN reported that the sides were close to an agreement.