Tomas Hertl
ON-ICE VALUE
First-Line Center
STRENGTHS
Finish: Hertl is always ready to shoot, and he’s pretty damn good at it. He can fire accurate wristers in stride or open up for quick one-timers in the slot. He also flashes tremendous hands in tight, lifting pucks over or slipping them through goaltenders at a solid clip. His shot selection contributes to his efficiency as well, as he doesn’t waste any touches.
Size: At 6’2” and 215 pounds, he’s an imposing forward in the trenches. He does well to absorb hits and spin off them in order to gain inside positioning. He’s an absolute monster below the goal line as well, shielding the puck from defenders and using his long reach to generate chances.
Reliable: Much like Nicklas Backstrom, his three-zone play is quiet but very effective. Hertl stays on top of the puck and leverages his frame to dictate the action at both ends of the ice. He isn’t quite a shutdown center, but he can take on tough minutes and deliver the goods. He’s stellar at the dot too.
WEAKNESSES
Play-Driving: Once the Sharks are settled into the offensive zone, Hertl becomes a terror. However, he isn’t the best transition forward around, often relying on teammates to get the play going in the right direction. His merely decent skating is one reason for that, but he simply isn’t the most assertive center.
Power Play: Despite possessing a great shot, soft hands and a solid build to dominate down low, Hertl hasn’t produced well on the power play. He lacks the vision to unlock the opposition’s penalty kill, and he doesn’t command the puck as a pure shooter either. He should be cast into the JVR net-front role.
