Sheng’s Weekend: Sharks Want Hertl Back, Interested in Kessel?

Will everything work out between Tomas Hertl and the San Jose Sharks?

Elliotte Friedman noted of Doug Wilson earlier in the week, “word is he’s told other teams that it is San Jose’s desire to make this work, and that message will be delivered once Hertl arrives [in San Jose from the Czech Republic].”

While this doesn’t explain why the Sharks seemingly left impending UFA Hertl in the dark on his status throughout the summer, it fits into what I heard around the Trade Deadline, that San Jose sees Hertl as a culture-driver, someone to build around.

Could Hertl Be Traded? Teams Are Asking | SJHN+

We’ll see how it shakes out — if you think about the package that the Sharks could get back for their top center, there’s plenty of incentive for San Jose to consider trading him — but if you want to see Hertl stay in teal, Friedman’s news is a positive sign.

At San Jose Hockey Now…

Micro-stats from InStat Hockey and JFreshHockey tell us where San Jose Sharks like Erik Karlsson and Brent Burns are still flourishing — what went wrong with Ryan Donato — where Logan Couture is underrated — Evander Kane’s problem area (on the ice):

Micro-Stats Reveal More About Karlsson, Burns, Kane, Couture, Other Sharks

How will John MacLean impact the Sharks power play? Ex-Coyotes video coach Steve Peters tells us:

Ex-Coyotes Coach on How MacLean Will Impact Sharks Power Play | SJHN+

What’s the ultimate San Jose Sharks team? We choose 13 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goalies from 30 years of franchise history:

The Ultimate Sharks Team

In other San Jose Sharks news…

San Jose Hockey Now had it first:

#SJSharks have placed prospect Vladislav Kotkov on unconditional waivers

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) September 10, 2021

Friedman also tied Phil Kessel to a potential trade with the Sharks around the Draft. He says it’s not going to happen though. Too bad: Kessel could really help the San Jose power play. Maybe the Sharks were just tired of Kessel scoring on them: 10 of his 20 goals last year were against San Jose.

As first reported by Tealtown USA, there will be a Sharks Skills Showcase on Oct. 10:

We're kicking off the season like never before!

Watch your favorite Sharks compete in a variety of skills challenges on October 10 at SAP Center.

Tickets ➡️ https://t.co/VWAXu8hLIn pic.twitter.com/TJiApIOkTL

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) September 10, 2021

New Yorker Kevin Labanc remembers 9/11:

I still remember seeing the ashes and smoke in my backyard 20 years ago. It was a tragic day that will always be remembered. Thoughts and prayers go out to the people who lost their loved ones. We will never forget 🙏🏻 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/o9gUt08bjk

— Kevin Labanc (@Str8ToTheBanc) September 11, 2021

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A post shared by Marcus Sörensen (@sorensenmarcus)

Around the NHL…

Wayne Gretzky and the hockey world will “never forget” Ace Bailey, Mark Bavis, and 9/11. (The Athletic)

Bailey played for the Detroit Red Wings:

Former Red Wings Player Was 9/11 Victim

Our Vancouver Canucks beat writer Rob Simpson remembers the first Rangers home game after 9/11.

The First Rangers Home Game After 9-11

Craig Berube expects Vladimir Tarasenko to start the season in St. Louis. (Cam & Strick Podcast)

Zach Parise is ready to fit into the New York Islanders line-up:

Zach Parise Ready to Fit into Islanders Lineup, but Where Will That Be?

The Vegas Golden Knights are confident that a deal with Nolan Patrick will get done:

Golden Knights confident deal with Nolan Patrick will get done

The wait is over… #WinterClassic #stlblues https://t.co/P092Uuiiwt

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) September 11, 2021

A strong rookie camp may start the path to the Florida Panthers for Gregg Denisenko and Matt Kiersted:

Strong rookie camp may start path to Panthers for Denisenko, Kiersted

The Pittsburgh Penguins hire new goalie development coaches:

Dan’s Daily: Bargain Centers for Penguins, Pens Hire Goalie Dev. Coaches