Tomas Hertl is set to assume a top-line role at left wing to begin the season, Kevin Kurz of CSNBayArea.com reports.

Hertl is set to assume a top-line role at left wing to begin the season, Kevin Kurz of CSNBayArea.com reports.

Analysis:

After his brilliant rookie season was interrupted by a knee injury, Hertl will face high expectations regarding what he may be capable of producing during a campaign in which he stays healthy. His point total of 15 goals and 10 assists over 37 games as a rookie would prorate to 33 and 22, respectively, over an 82-game schedule. And if he does in fact stick on the line next to Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski throughout the season, the scoring upside could be even greater than 55 points.