The San Jose Sharks could be without their No. 1 center, Tomas Hertl, against the Seattle Kraken tomorrow. Should he miss the game, William Eklund will play center.

The San Jose Sharks could be without their No. 1 center, Tomas Hertl, against the Seattle Kraken tomorrow. Should he miss the game, William Eklund will play center.

Hertl told reporters he hopes to play in tomorrow's game but isn't sure. 

"I feel a little better," Hertl said. "Hopefully, I'm good for tomorrow."

Hertl confirmed that the play in the second period where he got hip checked awkwardly is the reason behind his injury.

Hertl doesn't expect to be out long-term and doesn't see himself missing any of the 2024 NHL All-Star game festivities. 

Sharks head coach had William Eklund at the center position at practice today with Hertl not skating. 

"He's played center before," Quinn said. "Just build off the things he's been doing all year long and just be consistent at it. He's been pretty good defensively, and he'll probably have the puck a little bit more as a centerman. We're working on some faceoffs today with him."

Eklund was drafted as a centerman but has played wing most of his time in professional hockey.

"I've played center before in Sweden, so I know what it's about," Eklund told THN. "But, of course, it's so different."

David Quinn has generally put Luke Kunin at center when the team needs a forward to step in. 

"I like Kunin on the wing. I think his game elevates when he's playing on the wing," Quinn explained. 

There is still a chance Hertl plays tomorrow, but if he's out, expect Eklund to play his natural position. San Jose takes on Seattle at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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