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2012 Draft Prospect Profile #30: Tomas Hertl

Tomas Hertl

Position: Center
Team: Slavia (Czech Republic)
Age: 18
Date of Birth: November 12th, 1993
Place of Birth: Prague, Czech Republic
Ht: 6’2″ Wt: 198lbs
Shoots: Left

2011-2012 Regular Season Stats:

GP G A PTS +/- PIM
38 12 13 25 +9 22

I must admit, like most of us on this side of the pond, I don’t know much about this kid. The only viewing I had of him was at the World Juniors, and I do remember him on the ice. He was a dangerous player, and in the research for this post I came away impressed. When doing these profiles, I create a master list and distribute the prospects among the writers here at The Cannon. Without meaning to, I gave myself three Czech prospects- Radek Faksa, Martin Frk, and now Hertl. I have come away with really liking all three, with each bringing something different to the game.

Hertl is an offensive player, plain and simple. He creates offense from nothing, and will be a point producer as a pro in North America. He’ll likely max-out as a second line forward. He currently plays center, but he seems like one of those guys who could make the switch to the wing. He’s playing pro in the Czech Republic, so the adjustment to the North American pro ranks won’t be as drastic.

Scouting Report:Tomas Hertl is an immensely skilled pivot who currently plays in the Czech Extraliga. Blessed with nifty hands and an accurate shot, Hertl is always a threat to score or set up a teammate when he’s in the offensive zone. In addition being among HC Slavia Prague’s top producers, he notched five points in six games at the 2012 World Junior tournament in Calgary and Edmonton.
Dobber Prospects
Why he’d be a good fit in Columbus:

Hertl is a guy who could slip to the second round. At that point, any team would like to add a point producer like Hertl, and the Jackets are no different. If he is drafted by the Jackets, he’ll have Tomas Kubalik to lean on, and in camp Vinny Prospal would be a go-to mentor. He’s a ways away from the NHL, but the Jackets could use his offensive ability down the line.

Hertl in Action:

Tomáš Hertl goal Czech Republic – USA WJC 2012 (via CZHokej)