Does Tomas Hertl Make More Sense for the Knights Over Jack Eichel?

The Vegas Knights have been tied to Jack Eichel for a period of time now. However, it’s been reported that the San Jose Sharks may be shopping center, Tomas Hertl. If that is the case, does he make more sense for the Knights than Jack Eichel?

The Vegas Golden Knights have been considered the favorite to land Jack Eichel from the Buffalo Sabres. Going through Vegas Twitter and talking to multiple people that are Knights fans, it’s been interesting hearing their takes on possibly trading for Eichel. It’s been a lot of mixed opinions on rather or not the Knights should pull the trigger for the star center. In addition to that, the people who are against trading for Eichel, have a different name they are interested in: Tomas Hertl.

Tomas Hertl vs Jack Eichel

The Knights have been linked to star center, Jack Eichel for the last couple weeks but nothing has happened yet. With nothing happening quite yet on that front, it’s got people wondering rather or not Eichel is even the right fit for the Knights. After talking to multiple people to get their opinions, there is a name that Knights fans seem to want more: Tomas Hertl.

It has been reported by multiple people that the San Jose Sharks are potentially shopping their star center, Tomas Hertl, at this trade deadline. With him being in his contract year, they’ll probably look to capitalize off his efforts in order to obtain players under contract and/or picks.

Now, getting either of these players, I’ll say it is a huge win. Both of these players are well respected by the league for their talents, but the question needs to be asked: Does Tomas Hertl make more sense for the Knights than Jack Eichel?

Tomas Hertl’s Fit with the Knights

Now, before I get to far into the article, I will say I won’t be diving in too much to Jack Eichel in this article. If you are interested in reading my thoughts and opinions on Jack Eichel possibly becoming a Knight I’ll have it tagged right here. In this article however, I want to address Tomas Hertl and what he upside he offers over Jack Eichel. So with that being said, let’s jump into it.

Hertl has been a big part of the Sharks organization since he came into the league in the 2013-14 season. After being the 17th selection of the 2012 NHL entry draft, he made his impact almost immediately. After having a terrific rookie season playing in 37 games, he ended up getting votes towards the Calder trophy-He didn’t win though.

In those 37 games he played in he recorded 15 goals, 10 assists, for 25 total points. Given it was his rookie season, I’d consider that pretty good. He did however lack defensive numbers, but that’s expected. Defensively he had just 13 blocks, 39 hits, and 18 takeaways. Regardless, that was only the start for Hertl’s tremendous career thus far.

Hertl since that point has really established himself as a terrific all-around player. Each year in-and-out, he always puts up great numbers and is considered one of the best centers in the hockey. Since his rookie season he’s played in 474 career games with the Sharks. In those 474 games he recorded139 goals, and 163 assists for a total of 302 total points.

Given the Knights need for players who are healthy, getting production like Hertl could be more beneficial to the Knights looking at this season.

Hertl’s Contract vs Eichel’s Contract

In my opinion the biggest drawback to trading for Eichel is simply the fact that his contract is quite large. Eichel has four years left on his 8yr/$80mil contract he signed in 2017. In each of those four seasons he’d be set to make $10,000,000 from the Knights, which on a budget isn’t exactly ideal. That is where the argument for Hertl comes into play.

Looking at Eichel’s contract compared to Hertl’s contract, it’s a completely different situation. Eichel is still signed long-term and the Knights would have control over him for the next four season. Depending on how you look at that, it can either be a good thing or a bad thing, but then you look at Tomas Hertl.

Tomas Hertl is in his contract year which makes why the Sharks are looking to trade him, understandable. Hertl signed his big contract back in 2018 leaving him looking to earn himself another nice pay-day after this season is over. In the mean time, he still has to perform. But not having to take on near as large a contract, if any, is a lot easier to manage than bringing in Eichel.

Short-Term or Long-Term

I kind of touched on this above, but if there is one thing you have to understand when debating these two players it’s their contracts. Hertl, is currently 27 years old and is on his contract year. On the other hand, if you look at Eichel, not only is Eichel two years younger than Hertl, but they’d have more control over him, and simply be getting a better player.

If they were to trade for Hertl, they’d be giving up a couple assets and it’s possible that the Knights may not even be able to sign him back. I mean I doubt they’d trade for a player if they knew they couldn’t make an extension work, but it’s still something to consider. Then you look at Eichel and sure they’d have to give up more, but Eichel would not only give them a elite center, but he’d help keep their Stanley Cup window open for a longer period of time.

Conclusion

So the question that need to be asked is: Is it worth it? You have to determine before making any moves that you are making the trade to help your team. Eichel gives them a elongated future of winning, but will keep their salary tight for the next couple seasons at least. Hertl on the other hand would help them compete while their stars are recovering from injuries, and it would give them a boost during the playoffs.