Report: Sharks sign Tomas Hertl to eight-year contract extension

The San Jose Sharks are preparing to sign forward Tomas Hertl to an eight-year contract extension, according to multiple reports. The deal is expected to have an AAV around $8-million.

Hertl, 28, was ranked third on our own Frank Seravalli’s Top 50 Trade Targets list.

“San Jose has always seemed enthused (and confident) about keeping Hertl,” Seravalli wrote on March 15. “The player himself has publicly appeared a bit more skeptical – mostly that the Sharks will be competitive quickly again.

“He’s having a fantastic season, still on pace for 35 goals, and has three goals in his last two games. Hertl would provide a significant return for the Sharks’ future, a necessary component for a team en route to a third straight season in lottery territory.”

Drafted in the first round 17th overall by the Sharks in 2012, Hertl has emerged as a leader on the club and is amid one of his most productive seasons in the league. In 59 games, he’s scored 25 goals and 48 points notching .81 points per game. It’s the third-highest mark of his career so far.