3 reasons why you should be excited about Tomas Hertl in 2024-25

Tomas Hertl will play his first full season with the Vegas Golden Knights. Here's why fans should get excited about having a turtle on the team.

Colorado Avalanche v Vegas Golden Knights
Colorado Avalanche v Vegas Golden Knights | Candice Ward/GettyImages
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Some famous quotes resonate with the masses. They instill hope and strength into the populace, inspiring them to improve. Numerous American citizens can recite these memorable sayings, which form the fabric of our very society. These sound clips include the following:

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!"

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

Finally, we have the all-time classic...

That's a quote that motivates the masses to help one another and be better people. World peace will be found, global hunger will be solved, and everyone will finally get along thanks to Tomas Hertl. That means you, Romanians and Hungarians. No more squabbling over Transylvania!

But in all seriousness, Golden Knights fans have plenty of reasons to be excited over last season's trade deadline acquisition. The Czech forward and Noah Hanifin are expected to elevate the team in many aspects, whether it's on even strength or power play.

So let's explore what makes Tomas Hertl the most interesting player as he plays his first full season in Las Vegas. He could surprise the T-Mobile Arena crowd, showcasing his offensive (and defensive) talents with Vegas. Here's why "fun must be always" with Hertl, especially with him becoming a Golden Knights forward.

Tomas Hertl adds more to the Vegas Golden Knights power play

When the Vegas Golden Knights acquired Hertl from the San Jose Sharks last season, the deal shocked the NHL universe. The two-time All-Star was traded from a hated rival to a Stanley Cup contender, giving Kelly McCrimmon a winning trade deadline. At least, that's what it appeared on the surface before the Dallas Stars eliminated Vegas in seven games last season.

Still, that doesn't absolve Hertl's impact on the power play. When he was inserted into the lineup on April 8, the Golden Knights scored on 46.7% of their power plays. This statistic has been mentioned numerous times, yet it bears repeating. Why? It shows the importance of finally getting that big body in front of the net on the man advantage. That's why they also acquired Noah Hanifin, who had two goals and three power play assists in 19 games.

Golden Knights fans know the importance of this statistic, especially with the unit's paltry history. A lifetime percentage of 19.6% causes an organization to look for change. They needed a big body that could get dirty when called upon. That's what Tomas Hertl does best, for he's a big, reliable forward who obstructs the goaltender's vision. When a historically horrid unit needs a boost, getting a proven player should help.

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