Sharks' Hertl not worried about contract extension

San Jose Sharks forward Tomas Hertl isn't focused on an extension as he enters the final year of his contract.

"We'll see when I get there for camp and stuff, we'll see if we get some talks. If not, I'm not worried," Hertl said, according to NHL.com's Tracey Myers. "I'm just going to play the best hockey and not think about it because if you're overthinking or (thinking) this is my contract year, I have to score goals because it'll help.

"For me, it doesn't matter because I think I've proven I can be a good player, I've shown I can be a leader, and I just want to do that and not think about my next deal."

The 27-year-old is entering his ninth campaign with the Sharks after re-signing with the club for four years and $22.5-million in 2018. Last season, he scored 19 goals and added 24 assists in 50 contests.

Hertl's name has surfaced in trade rumors throughout the offseason, but he's not letting his uncertain future with the franchise distract him from contributing this upcoming campaign.

"I'm not thinking about what will happen next season, will the Sharks extend me or if they don't want me there. I'm just going to play my best hockey and help my teammates," Hertl said.

"We have a lot of young guys, so I want to help them and just show them how 'Jumbo' Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski showed me how to be in the league, how to be a leader, how to play in the NHL."

Hertl has battled a couple of big injuries throughout his career - most recently tearing both his ACL and MCL in February 2020. In 503 career games, he's scored 151 goals and dished 172 assists.