Merc: Hertl set to be activated from LTIR tomorrow

The San Jose Sharks plan to activate forward Tomas Hertl from long-term injured reserve ahead of tomorrow’s game against the Edmonton Oilers, according to the San Jose Mercury News’ Curtis Pashelka. CSN Bay Area’s Kevin Kurz tweeted yesterday he was told there was a “very, very good” chance Hertl returned to the lineup against Edmonton.

The Sharks also sent down forwards Kevin Labanc, Timo Meier, and defenseman Tim Heed to the San Jose Barracuda. Both Kurz and Pashelka expect Labanc and Meier to be back with the Sharks tomorrow night.

The Barracuda play tonight in Stockton at 7:00 PM. The demotions leave the Sharks with $1,733,675 in current salary cap space, or $4,722,870 including relief from Hertl’s placement on LTIR, according to Cap Friendly.

Hertl has not played since leaving the Sharks’ November 17th game against the St. Louis Blues with a right knee sprain. He underwent a “minor procedure” on that knee on November 22nd, and began participating in contact drills in practice four days ago.