Seattle Kraken: Early Free Agency Targets – Centers
Tomas Hertl
Tomas Hertl has been a key player for the San Jose Sharks during their recent down years, and although they’re currently doing better than the Kraken, that likely won’t happen for much longer. San Jose has a lot of money tied up in aging players who are past their prime. Add in a fairly weak farm system, and there isn’t much hope for the franchise in coming years.
They’re certainly in a much better position than they were two years ago. However, most of their better prospects are still multiple years out from being impact players at the NHL level. As a result of the Sharks’ grim outlook, it wouldn’t be impossible to see Hertl head up I-5 to Seattle. He’s been in the Bay Area for almost a decade, and despite some success in the early years, recently, the team has been plagued by their failed playoff pushes.
Hertl is a goalscorer who can win faceoffs and is on pace for the second-best season of his career. Not only would he be beneficial in even-strength play, but he also could contribute to both special teams. A winner in 53 percent of his career draws, Hertl will help keep the puck out of the net in the defensive zone and put it in the net on the other end.
In addition to what he can do individually, Hertl also draws attention away from his linemates. Playing him with someone like Jordan Eberle opens up space for the All-Star RW to operate and allows him to get more scoring chances.
Another aspect that may help the Kraken sell him on signing with Seattle is familiarity. Hertl played with Ryan Donato and Joonas Donskoi in San Jose, meaning he wouldn’t be entering an unfamiliar locker room.