San Jose Sharks centerman Tomas Hertl is playing for Team McDavid at the 2024 NHL All-Star Game.
San Jose Sharks centerman Tomas Hertl is playing for Team McDavid at the 2024 NHL All-Star Game.
With loaded lineups on each team, it is fun to think about possible line combinations with players who aren't on the same NHL team.
Many combinations can be made, but here is team Connor McDavid.
Option 1: Czechs Unite
Option one for Tomas Hertl is to have him play alongside his fellow countryman David Pastrnak. While Pastrnak plays for the Boston Bruins, it could be fun to see two stars of their country play together, even if it is an exhibition.
A fun way to round out the trio is if Sam Reinhart were to play with these two. Reinhart is having a career season for the Florida Panthers with 37 goals in 49 games.
Option 2: Keep The Pacific Division Together
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl at three-on-three are dynamic. Adding a big body that can protect the puck, like Tomas Hertl, could improve it. McDavid's speed and Draisaitl's well-rounded game should complement Hertl's hands and pass beautifully.
Plus, putting Hertl with the best player in the world would be pretty cool for Sharks fans to watch. These three players are the only three in the Pacific Division on this team.
Option 3: Defense First
Tomas Hertl could play with St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas and Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner. Some could consider this the 'defense first' line.
Jenner and Hertl are amongst the leaders in faceoff %, and both play a 200-foot game for their respective NHL teams. Thomas's speed and skill would bring a much-needed outlet to this trio, allowing them to surprise opponents with sneaky offense.
Thomas is also a terrific passer and could set up Hertl all night. Who knows? Maybe this trio will help Hertl re-create his five-goal performance from 2020.
Whoever Hertl plays with, he will have a great time. As Sharks fans know, the big forward is all about having fun while he plays the game he loves. He gets to bring his son to the event with him this year, which he has said is what he looked forward to the most.
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The Hockey News