This season, Tomas Hertl demonstrated he’s ready to play center full-time. The 23-year-old Czech forward began the season on Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski’s wing, reuniting the league’s most dominant line from 2015-16.
But shortly after returning to the lineup from injury, Hertl moved to center practically full-time for the season’s final two months, and was given more responsibility in the process. Hertl averaged 17:13 in ice time, the most of his career by 1:15.
Even with more responsibility, Hertl remained one of the team’s best drivers of puck possession, finishing third among players who played a minimum of 50 minutes in relative CF% (4.