A huge trade took place just before the NHL trade deadline wrapped up on Friday. The San Jose Sharks traded their start forward Tomas Hertl to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for a first-round pick in 2025 and forward David Edstrom.
As part of the trade, the Sharks are also sending two third-rounders (2025, 2027) to Vegas and will retain 17% of Hertl’s salary. Hertl signed an eight-year, $65.1 million contract with San Jose ahead of the 2022-23 NHL season.
Hertl is currently out after undergoing knee surgery in February. However, Vegas most likely made the trade with the postseason in mind, when the two-time All-Star is expected to become available.
After the trade became official, Hertl went on social media to show his excitement about joining his new team.
Before going down with the injury, Tomas Hertl was playing well and had 15 goals and 19 assists for a total of 34 points in 48 games. Hertl spent all of his 10+ seasons in the NHL with the Sharks and left the franchise having played 712 games and contributed 484 points.
The Vegas Golden Knights have been quite busy at the trade deadline as they attempt to make a run for another Stanley Cup. Prior to Hertl, they also acquired veteran winger Anthony Mantha from the Washington Capitals.
