Sharks' Hertl to have knee surgery, out at least 'several weeks'

San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl will undergo a procedure to clean out loose cartilage in his left knee and miss a minimum of "several weeks," the team announced Monday.

"I have been experiencing soreness in my left knee on and off this season," Hertl said in a statement. "After speaking with doctors and our medical staff earlier this year, it was clear that the injury was not going to get any worse and I could continue to play through it, including attending the NHL All-Star weekend in Toronto.

"After returning from Toronto and having additional conversations with my family and our team medical staff over the last week, I made the decision to have this procedure done now so that I can return to 100% as soon as possible."

Hertl is one of the lone offensive threats for the rebuilding Sharks, as he paces the team with 15 goals and 34 points in 48 games this season.

The 30-year-old is in the second season of an eight-year, $65.1-million contract with a full no-movement clause.

Sharks general manager Mike Grier said in September that if Hertl approached him about a trade then it's something he'd explore.