Tomas Hertl, Sharks see new deal as a step toward better days

The Sharks made official Thursday a deal that had been reported earlier in the week, signing pending restricted-free-agent forward Tomas Hertl to a two-year contract worth a reported $6 million, keeping one of the team’s top young players in the fold as the Sharks try to build on last season’s trip to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Hertl, 22, is coming off his best season as a pro, having recorded career highs with 21 goals and 25 assists in 81 games.

The Sharks’ 2012 first-round pick thrived when moved to the top line with Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski in the middle of the season — he had 17 goals and 14 assists in the final 44 games — and was a big reason behind San Jose’s postseason success (six goals, five assists in 20 games).

Wilson said he expects to have conversations next summer with Hertl about a longer-term deal, but both sides thought it was best to opt for a “bridge” contract because of Hertl’s potential to emerge into one of the game’s best players.

Hertl injured his right knee late in Game 2 of the Finals against Pittsburgh and his absence the rest of the way played a role in San Jose’s six-game loss to the Penguins.

Wilson said he is having talks with two other pending restricted free agents: forward Matt Nieto and defenseman Dylan DeMelo.

Lightning captain Steven Stamkos said Thursday that he followed his heart in re-signing with the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2008 rather than testing free agency, where he likely would have commanded much more than the $68 million he’s due to earn over the next eight seasons.

“Some people when they’re in this position, chase, obviously, the most money possible,” the two-time NHL scoring champion said during a conference call.