Monday marked a momentous occasion as Tomas Hertl took the ice for his first game with the Vegas Golden Knights, exactly one month after he was traded to the reigning Stanley Cup winners.
The 30-year-old forward, who was acquired by the Golden Knights on March 8 from the San Jose Sharks, gladly assumed his position in the starting lineup at Rogers Arena against the Vancouver Canucks. It was his first game since January 27 after he had surgery on February 12 to repair his left knee’s loose cartilage.
Tomas Hertl’s Debut Ignites Excitement for Vegas Golden Knights
Hertl was excited and said, “It feels really good.” After a grueling two months of rehabilitation, I’m thrilled to be playing my first game. All of the players, coaches, and trainers are present, and the group is outstanding, but in the end I can be in the game.”
Hertl was unexpectedly traded for forward prospect David Edstrom and a first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, which led to his surprise move to Vegas. The Golden Knights also obtained a third-round selection in both the NHL Drafts of 2025 and 2027.
With 34 points in 48 games with San Jose, the seasoned forward established himself as a vital member of the Golden Knights’ second line, alongside Chandler Stephenson and Michael Amadio.
Hertl said, looking back at his new teammates, “We played a lot against each other. “‘Stevie’ is a very quick player who can make plays, and [Amadio] is a hard-working righty. I want to support them and improve the line, and I’m excited to play with some excellent players.”
Hertl demonstrated his versatility by practicing as the net-front forward on the Golden Knights’ top power-play unit in addition to his job in the front lines. His presence is anticipated to improve the team’s offensive skills in this position, which is normally held by captain Mark Stone, who has been out injured since February 20.
Hertl’s debut for the Golden Knights, who are fighting for a postseason position in a very tough Western Conference, came at a crucial time. Every point matters as they try to guarantee a postseason berth with just a few games left in the regular season.
