- Editor's note: Sheng Peng will be a regular contributor to NBC Sports California's Sharks coverage for the 2021-22 season. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at Sheng_Peng.
What was Tomas Hertl to make of perhaps his last home game as a member of the San Jose Sharks?
On Sunday, Pierre LeBrun reported that the Sharks were hoping that the impending UFA would come to a decision about his future in San Jose by Wednesday or Thursday. Hertl wouldn’t confirm an internal deadline before the Mar. 21 Trade Deadline when we spoke with him on Monday.
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LeBrun believes “the Sharks will end up going to a place contract-wise that’s going to be pretty close to where Hertl needs it to be.” The Sharks still aren’t taking offers on Hertl, and “as of Sunday, remained confident things were headed in the right direction and they could get Hertl signed.”
But does the 28-year-old truly believe in the direction of the franchise, headed to three years and running out of the playoffs? Hertl’s decision will seemingly come down to that question.