Sharks To Try Eklund at Center, Hertl’s All-Star Game Status?

William Eklund was drafted as a center, and he might get his first NHL shot there tomorrow night.

The San Jose Sharks practiced today without Tomas Hertl, who left Saturday’s 5-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres in the middle of the second period. Hertl did return for the third period, but he required treatment post-game.

In his place today, the Sharks elevated Logan Couture to first-line center, and are trying Eklund up the middle on the second line.

Keeping in mind that Hertl isn't participating, here are #SJSharks practice lines, it looks like Eklund is filling in at center on the second line:

Hoffman-Couture-Zetterlund
Barabanov-Eklund-Duclair
MacDonald-Sturm-Kunin
Zadina-Carpenter-Bailey

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) January 29, 2024

“We’ve been running through centers like crazy. He’s been a center before and he’s played enough pro hockey now that maybe give him a look there,” San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn said.

What’s Quinn looking for from Eklund up the middle?

“Build off the things he’s been doing all year long and just be consistent at it. He’s been pretty good defensively and probably have the puck a little bit more as a centerman.”

As for Hertl, he’s day-to-day with a lower-body injury.

The San Jose Sharks play tomorrow and Wednesday in Anaheim, and then it’s the All-Star Game on Feb. 3. Is the team’s lone All-Star in danger of missing the festivities in Toronto?

“I’m still pretty confident I’m going,” Hertl said.