The San Jose Sharks select Tomas Hertl 17th overall. 

Here’s the skinny on Hertl:

He is a big, strong body that gets up and down the wing well with good straight line speed. His balance is strong and he also has some good agility. He has a good stick and can carry the puck as well as protect it using his frame and quick hands. He has strong playmaking abilities such as vision and a soft touch, but is surely more of a finisher than a passer. He has a very effective shot that is quick off his stick and has some good velocity behind it. He keeps his head up and always checks off his options as he moves around with the puck, keeping his top target fixed on the net. He plays with a physical edge and a healthy amount of grit as he fights for every inch of ice. He has good smarts and reads the developing play well. He will dish out punishing checks and close out opponents with every chance he gets. He really excels along the wall where his reach and strength become an advantage. He is hard on the cycle and willing to go to the net and look for garbage goals. He has very good hands in tight and has some Tomas Holmstrom in him with regard to being a net-front presence. He can play a sound, two-way game, and not just be effective in the offensive zone. He uses good defensive positioning and his size to disrupt the opposition’s attack.

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Here’s what one of our scouts had to say:

“While he was impressive during those international competitions, what he did with his club team against men is what made us most excited. He has a big body, uses his size well and possesses some offensive upside, meaning he should develop into a strong power winger at the NHL level.”