Sharks rookie Tomas Hertl medically cleared to play Friday vs. Avalanche

The already stacked San Jose Sharks will be adding a surprise reinforcement ahead of the NHL postseason. 

Talented rookie Tomas Hertl, who hasn't played Dec. 19th and underwent surgery to repair the PCL and MCL ligaments in his right knee on Dec. 31st, has been medically cleared to return to game action. Hertl will be in the Sharks lineup on Friday against the Colorado Avalanche.

Hertl is an absurdly skilled forward, who excels on the rush and along the wall. In 35 games this fall, Hertl managed 15 goals and 25 points while forming a dominant forward line with Joe Thornton and converted defenseman Brent Burns.

If the 20-year-old forward is able to find his form quickly, he'll add an extremely potent weapon to San Jose's offensive arsenal. It could prove critical, as the Sharks will need every additional goal they can get against Jonathan Quick and the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.