Sharks Star Hertl Driven to Lead Team Back to Playoffs Amid Rebuild

Hertl motivated to return Sharks to playoffs after rebuild originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Tomáš Hertl has been a stalwart of the Sharks since the beginning of his NHL career, leading San Jose into the Stanley Cup playoffs five times. He was picked No. 17 in the 2012 NHL Draft and has since accumulated 207 goals, 259 assists, and 466 points, solidifying his status as a fan favorite in Silicon Valley.

Amid the Sharks’ challenging times, Hertl aims to guide the club toward a brighter future, as he mentioned in an interview with Eric Stephens of The Athletic.

Expressing his commitment to the team, Hertl remarked, “A lot of pieces have changed. But this is like my home. My family is from here now, with my wife. Everything started here.” He embraced the challenge of leading the Sharks back to their former glory, recognizing that success may not come immediately but remains hopeful for the future.

After the departure of star player Erik Karlsson, Hertl, along with veterans Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Logan Couture, are among the few remaining Sharks with playoff experience, determined to steer the team in the right direction once again.

Despite the team’s struggles, Hertl, who signed a lucrative contract extension, remains focused on the long-term goal of returning San Jose to their winning ways. He emphasized the hard work required and his unwavering determination to reach the playoffs and compete for the Stanley Cup.

Hertl acknowledged the tough times, stating, “Now when you’re going through this tough time where it’s kind of a rebuild, you appreciate it (more) and you know how hard it is to get there.” Despite the current challenges, he remains enthusiastic about the Sharks’ future and takes pride in his ties to the South Bay area.

Despite the Sharks’ recent struggles, Hertl continues to be optimistic about the team’s future, determined to lead the franchise back to prominence.