Hertl, 21, was sent down during the All Star break to get a couple of extra games in in Worcester. He collected two assists in two games, but now comes back to the Sharks where he has 17 points (8G / 9A) in 48 games this season.

Hertl had to leave the game about two minutes into the third period after Logan Couture inadvertently fired a puck into his own team’s bench. The 21-year-old immediately left the ice while holding a towel to his face, and received 16-to-18 stitches. He will wear a full cage against the Wild. Hertl has seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 40 games, but just one goal in his last 13.

Hertl now has 9 points in 20 games this season.

Hertl picked up one assist with a plus-1 rating and three shots in the Sharks’ 4-1 loss to the Panthers last night. He was moved up to the first line prior to yesterday’s game, but only played 13:38 which means he was likely bumped down midway through the contest. He is back on the third line this morning, so expect him to stay there to start Thursday’s game in Tampa Bay.

Matthew Nieto has not scored since opening night and has been held pointless in his last three games so Tomas Hertl will replace him on the top line tonight vs. the Panthers. After a sensational rookie season prior to his knee injury, Hertl’s seven points (3G / 4A) has too be disappointing for fantasy investors. But, he gets a chance tonight to make an impact and hopefully stay on that top line.

Hertl is struggling out of the gate having posted just two goals and one assist in 12 games. Tonight Barclay Goodrow will move up and Hertl will skate on the fourth line. He should remain on your bench until his production comes back.

The Sharks have shaken up all of their forwards lines ahead of tonight's game in Boston. One of the moves has Hertl going to the third line to play with James Sheppard and Andrew Desjardins, which is obviously a huge downgrade from Joe Thornton. Hertl has two goals and a plus-4 rating through six games.

Hertl has not played since December 19, when he suffered the injury on a hit by the Kings’ Dustin Brown. In 35 games, Hertl has 15 goals and 10 assists for 25 points, playing primarily on the left wing of Joe Thornton and Brent Burns. Hertl was originally expected to miss the rest of the regular season, but he will be back for the final home game of the season and playoffs.

Hertl is expected to practice on Thursday but at this point still is not expected to play again this season.

A former NHL team trainer familiar with Hertl's type of injury told CSNCalifornia.com the “best case” scenario for Hertl to return would be approximately 12 weeks. More likely, Hertl will be out of action from six to nine months, which would keep him out the remainder of the 2013-14 season.

There is no official timetable for Hertl's return but he is expected to miss at least a couple of months. After surgery we will have a better idea of how long he will be out.

Hertl left Thursday's game in the first period an did not return after a knee-on-knee collision with Kings forward Dustin Brown. Brown was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for the incident. The play did not appear to have any intent, simply two players that were trying to avoid each other but were unable to do so. This is a tough break for the rookie who was enjoying a tremendous start to his NHL career potting 15 goals and adding 10 assists in his first 35 games. Hertl is having an MRI today, so a more accurate timetable should be available later.

The 19-year-old is leading the NHL in goals and when he is in the lineup, he should be in your lineup. He has shown great early chemistry with Joe Thornton and Brent Bruns, so expect things to continue.

Hertl was forced from Saturday's game with a head injury, but appears as if he'll be able to play tonight. The rookie sensation currently leads the NHL in goals, so if he plays, he should be in your lineup.

Hertl, who leads the NHL in goals with seven, received a blow to the shoulder/head area from Ottawa’s Clarke MacArthur with 2:14 to go in the second period. He skated immediately to the dressing room, did not play in the third period, and missed practice on Sunday.

Buy, buy, buy. I'm not expecting Patrick Kane circa-2007-08 season rookie scoring numbers but Hertl is providing the flair and energy that the Sharks haven't seen in years. He's worth a roster spot in everyday leagues to ride while he's hot.

The 17th overall pick in 2012 showed in the preseason that he’s skilled enough to play at an NHL level, scoring three goals and an assist in four games, and his big six-foot-two, 210-pound frame should help him better withstand the rigors of an NHL schedule. “Tomas being my linemate, it’s been a lot of fun,” Thornton said. “Me and Burnzie have been smiling a lot, just enjoying his company out there. I think with getting some young guys in here, it adds a little bit more enthusiasm in the room.” This is a great opportunity for the 19 year old and is worthy of a roster spot in deep leagues.

At 6-foot-2 and 210 lbs., Hertl is a great skater who is not afraid to go to the dirty areas and put the puck in the net. Skating on a line with Joe Thornton and Brent Burns all preseason Hertl has scored three goals with one assist and is a plus-3 in three games. Should he make the roster and stick in the San Jose top-six, he will become fantasy relevant. Keep his name in mind towards the end of your draft.