Sharks forward Tomas Hertl likely caused more noise with his comments in a recent Czech interview than was needed.
“I wonder if San Jose will want to re-sign me and if I’ll want to stay there,” Hertl said as translated by Kevin Kurz. “I don’t want to think about it so it doesn’t negatively affect me. I’ll start the season and see how it turns out.”
Hertl will be a UFA at the end of this season. At this point and time, the Sharks have not seriously engaged with his camp about an extension, but it sure sounds like they want to keep him.
NHL Rumors: Sharks looking to keep Hertl
Prior to those comments, the belief was that the Sharks and Hertl were likely to work things out. In his latest blog, Elliotte Friedman notes; “word is [GM Doug Wilson] told other teams that it is San Jose’s desire to make this work, and that message will be delivered once Hertl arrives.”
Hertl will be 28 years-old when his current deal with a $5.625M cap hit expires. Last season, he recorded 43 points in 50 games. For his NHL career he’s registered 323 points in 503 contests.
Friedman also reported that the Montreal Canadiens prior to trading for Christian Dvorak spoke with the Sharks about Hertl. Since he is still with the Sharks, it would confirm for me they may want to keep him.
Rangers to name a captain
The Blueshirts have been without a captain since Ryan McDonagh was traded in 2018. Early this summer, Drury made it point to wanting to give the “right” person the C this season.
“I think it’s an important piece for us moving forward to have a captain, but with that said, it has to be the right person,” the general manager said during a conference call. “Turk [head coach Gerard Gallant] just got to town a little while ago, and he’s just getting to know the players on and off the ice.”
NY Post
Currently, Drury will allow new head coach, Gerard Gallant more time to get to know his players before a final decision is made by the organization.
The Rangers are believed to have narrowed down their choices to Chris Kreider, Jacob Trouba, and Mika Zibanejad. Of the three, Kreider appears to be the favorite. Zibanejad’s looming UFA status will likely play into the decision.
Bridge deal for Brady Tkachuk
The Ottawa Senators and RFA Brady Tkachuk have dominated the rumor space for the last few days. As the two sides continue to work on a new contract, the good news sounds like a deal will get done.
“Ottawa GM Pierre Dorion (with a fresh contract extension) told the FAN 590 morning show on Thursday, “Are we confident (restricted free agent Brady Tkachuk) will be signed by the time camp starts? Yes. These negotiations aren’t always easy and they take me a bit more time.” Over the last little while, the word is the Senators and Tkachuk have been grinding away on a long-term deal — believed to be similar to Thomas Chabot’s 8×8 extension”
Sportsnet
If a long-term deal can’t be worked out, the two sides seem to be ok with getting a bridge deal done before camp.
Brady Tkachuk is just 21 years of age. In his three seasons with the team, he’s scored 125 points in 198 games. The Sens see him as the face of the franchise along with Thomas Chabot. Either one of them could be named the next captain in Ottawa.
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