The San Jose Sharks only gained Tyler Kennedy from the 2013 Stanley Cup playoff roster. T.J. Galiardi, Thomas Greiss and Tim Kennedy are gone. They need Tomas Hertl to step up, who CSN Bay Area Insider Kevin Kurz noted for his play at the prospect scrimmage Friday, July 12.
Jim Kozomor of Yahoo Sports talked about him with general manager Doug Wilson just days before. Everyone is wondering whether Hertl can fill the void left behind by in the injury to Martin Havlat.
That is a lot of pressure for a 19-year old who barely understands the language and has never played North American hockey. He will have to get used to the smaller ice, take more aggressive angles defensively without leaving himself vulnerable to superior abilities and deal with much more physical play on both ends.
That is why Director of Scouting Tim Burke has not wanted to put expectations on him making the opening night roster. But there was optimism breaking through Wilson's reserved demeanor when talking about his hottest prospect to Kozimor:
We've got a first-round pick in Tomas Hertl who—we don't usually promote our young guys, but this kid could be an impactful player as soon as this year.
Last season, Hertl played against some former NHL players in the top hockey league in his native Czech Republic. He led his team in goals with 18 (12 assists) in 43 games. That is scoring line talent, but will it translate against better talent on a larger surface?
It seems unlikely he will jump from (at best) the third-ranked league in the world to be in the top half of a good team at the highest level of hockey. But the probable departure of Scott Gomez leaves a hole on the fourth line and second power play.
Without power play time he would struggle to develop an NHL game in only six-plus minutes a night. Thus, he must take at least three of five steps to make the team, while all five could get him to a scoring line at even strength.
