San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn told media members that Tomas Hertl has completed surgery on his left knee.

San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn told media members that Tomas Hertl has completed surgery on his left knee.

"It just happened," Quinn said. "I haven't got the final post-op timeline, but I'm sure I'll hear about that in the next day or two."

Curtis Pashelka confirmed that Hertl's surgery took place yesterday. 

While there is no clear timeline yet, the organization used the phrase "several weeks" when they first announced his injury. 

Hertl could be a candidate to miss the remainder of the season, as only 30 games remain after tonight. 

William Eklund will play center for the foreseeable future, with Hertl out long-term. He could stay in that position if he continues to play well at center. With Logan Couture also out week-to-week, Eklund should get at least five more games to show the franchise he can play the position he was drafted in.

His poise and hockey IQ were on full display during the two games he's played center this season. 

"He's had experience playing center, just not at this level here. To do it seamlessly certainly talks about the type of player he is," Quinn said about Eklund after the Sharks faced the Seattle Kraken on January 30th. "I think what he's done over the first 49 games kind of put him in a good mindset with this challenge of playing center in the National Hockey League. He didn't blink an eye. He was eager to do it. I thought he played really well."

Hertl's timeline for a possible return this season should become apparent in the near future, but until then, being a full-time NHL center is within Eklund's grasp. 

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