Sharks rookie F Tomas Hertl has successful surgery to repair ligaments in right knee

ANAHEIM, Calif. - San Jose Sharks forward Tomas Hertl has undergone surgery to repair damaged ligaments in his right knee.

The Czech rookie is expected to make a full recovery from Tuesday's operation in Cleveland.

Hertl was injured in a knee-to-knee collision with Los Angeles captain Dustin Brown on Dec. 19 at Staples Center.

The 20-year-old Hertl was a strong Calder Trophy candidate with 15 goals and 10 assists in his first 35 games, including a four-goal performance against the New York Rangers in his third game.

The Sharks haven't speculated on exactly how long Hertl will be sidelined, but he is expected to miss more than a month, jeopardizing his chances to play for the Czech Republic at the Sochi Olympics in February.