Preview/Lines #25: Hertl on Trade Rumors Swirling Around Meier

MONTREAL – Tomas Hertl knows what Timo Meier is going through with trade rumors.

Last year at this time, trade rumors were swirling around pending UFA Hertl. This time, they’re starting to dog pending RFA Meier.

Obviously, that’s a big difference. Last year’s Trade Deadline was a clear drop-dead date for the unrestricted free agent and the San Jose Sharks, which they beat when both sides agreed to an eight-year, $65.1 million dollar extension last March. The Sharks still have Meier’s rights next year, whatever happens this Trade Deadline.

But regardless, Hertl’s free agency year experience might be something that Meier can learn from.

“For sure it’s not easy because you guys keep asking questions. Everywhere is your name. You don’t know what will happen. Sometimes, it’s not the greatest feeling,” Hertl told San Jose Hockey Now on Saturday in San Jose.

However, Hertl says he hasn’t chatted with Meier about it yet. And hey, it looks like Meier is bearing the burden just fine. After going scoreless in his first nine games this season, the 26-year-old winger has racked up 12 goals in his last 15 contests.

“We don’t really talk about it much. Because honestly, I don’t even know how to really explain,” Hertl shared. “One of the things [you can do] is just keep playing hockey. At the end of the day, that’s the only thing you can do. Because [not much is] in your power anyway.”

San Jose Sharks (7-13-4)

Kahkonen starts tonight, Dell “probably” tomorrow. Sturm will not play but he’s progressing. Good chance that Viel plays tonight

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) November 29, 2022

Gadjovich, Sturm, Svechnikov, and Harrington last Sharks on the ice, so presume they’re not playing tonight. That would mean Viel’s NHL debut in his home province tonight

— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) November 29, 2022

Projected lines for the #SJSharks at the #GoHabsGo.

Missed the preview? Get caught up here:
📺 https://t.co/5RjEEG1Shn
🎧 https://t.co/wmyWBR90aU pic.twitter.com/AynVeVWPCM

— Locked on Sharks (@LockedOnSharks) November 29, 2022

Montreal Canadiens (11-9-1)

Canadiens Game 22: Harris In, Xhekaj Out

Where to Watch

The San Jose Sharks will take on the Montreal Canadiens at 4 PM PST at Bell Center. Watch it live on NBC Sports California. Listen to it on the Sharks Audio Network.