Sharks Sign Hertl to Eight-Year Extension

The San Jose Sharks have locked in a foundational piece of their core. 

After months of reported negotiations between both sides, the Sharks have reportedly come to terms with forward Tomas Hertl on a massive eight-year contract extension worth an average annual value of $8 million. 

The deal, which ties Hertl to San Jose through the 2030-31 season, will essentially encompass the entirety of the 28-year-old's prime years, with the Sharks hoping to use Hertl as a piece to build around for the future following a slew of disappointing seasons. 

The details of the contract, such as salary structure and the inclusion of any trade protection, have yet to be revealed. 

It's rare that you find a true win-win signing in the modern NHL. 

Hertl's extension today, however, appears to be one. 

Hertl is among the most underrated players in hockey at the moment, in the midst of a terrific season with 25 goals and 48 points in 59 games. The former first-rounder tackles top opposing competition on a nightly basis, managing to produce positive results while also generating impressive offensive numbers. Prior to today's signing, Hertl was thought as perhaps the top forward available on the trade market, with the Sharks commanding a massive package for his services. 

Instead, they simply opted to keep him. And for good reason. 

With Hertl locked in for the foreseeable future, the only thing stopping the Sharks from turning the page into a new, successful era is the bloated contracts of aging stars Brent Burns, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, and Erik Karlsson. 

If management can find anyone willing to take those deals off their hands, particularly the former two, then the future will look pretty bright in sunny San Jose.