Sharks sign Tomas Hertl to entry-level deal
San Jose has reportedly inked their top prospect and 2012 first rounder to an entry-level contract.
A day after being eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Sharks made a move significant to their future by signing 2012 first round pick Tomas Hertl to an entry-level contract, per RDS' Renaud Lavoie:
Tomas Hertl signed his ELS contract with Sharks. Hertl was the Sharks first round pick in 2012. #RDS
— Renaud Lavoie (@RenLavoieRDS) May 30, 2013
Widely considered the organization's top prospect, Hertl was selected 17th overall in last June's entry draft and scored 18 goals and 30 points in 43 games this past season as a 19-year-old playing against men in the Czech Republic's top league. While there were reports that he had a year remaining on his contract with Slavia Praha, this signing likely indicates Hertl was able to renegotiate that deal.
Some believe the 6'3", 196-pound center has a legitimate shot to make the big club for the 2013-14 season and the Sharks will certainly be hard-pressed to deny him a top-nine role on the opening night roster should he dazzle in training camp. On the other hand, it's entirely possible the organization opts to first groom him on North American ice in the AHL. Regardless, it's time to unleash Hertl Power.