Consider this a case of the rich getting richer: the red-hot San Jose Sharks look like they’re getting Tomas Hertl back for Thursday after he was activated from injured reserve (according to the Mercury News).
The Sharks have been able to keep together even with Hertl missing 31 games - he last played on Nov. 17 - with a knee injury. They’ve collected 64 points in 49 games, leading the Pacific Division by one point on the strength of a six-game winning streak.
While Anaheim is San Jose’s closest compeititor for the division crown at the moment, Edmonton isn’t so far behind with 60 points in the same games played, so Hertl’s return will be welcomed that much more.
The 23-year-old only had an assist in his last seven games before being injured, but we’ve seen plenty of flashes (just ask Joe Thornton) of great play from Hertl in the past.
Hertl’s return could even be a nice balm for Sharks fans who didn’t appreciate the Tommy Wingels trade.