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.
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...
Today after exersice...i have a lot of new young friends:-D..fun must be alwalys:-)) pic.twitter.com/oM005RF2Py
— Tomáš Hertl (@TomasHertl48) January 31, 2014
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.
Hertl will fit in well with the two-way formula
Kelly McCrimmon emphasizes playing both ends of the ice and being able to handle transition hockey well. That includes forcing turnovers and going on odd-man rushes, where the opposing team has its guard down. Names like Mark Stone and William Karlsson come to mind, specifically with their headstrong style of play. But can last season's big trade deadline acquisition follow suit and be impactful? Yes.
Tomas Hertl won't have any problems with this style because he stands at 6'3" and weighs 215 lbs. He's totaled 757 hits during his 11 seasons with San Jose, offering some physicality defensively. The Czech forward won't have any problems fitting into Bruce Cassidy's forechecking system. He can use his large body to block shots more, deliver hits, and clog more shooting lanes, making the Golden Knights better.
The San Jose Sharks weren't the ideal NHL team in the past few years, for they were rebuilding after a long Stanley Cup contender run. That meant not having the necessary pieces to contend for championships. The Golden Knights will operate differently from their rivals and not have this problem. In fact, expect Hertl to grow within his new team this season. He'll have no issues aiding an odd-man rush or two in 2024-25.
You can't hate a guy like Hertl, especially for his versatility
It's hard hating a player like Hertl or Noah Hanifin. They're laidback guys who bring personality to the Golden Knights, keeping matters light and easy. That includes the defenseman hanging with his buddy, Jack Eichel, and Hertl coming up with memorable quotes. Unless these players fall off a cliff production-wise, they'll become beloved figures within Las Vegas.
That's especially true with the two-time All-Star's lineup versatility. Bruce Cassidy can slot him on the first or second line, making matters easier when a player goes down. Recently, he got third-line reps with Nicolas Roy and Alexander Holtz. Considering the Golden Knights have scoring depth down the center position, it gives them the ultimate flexibility card.
It doesn't matter if the former Shark is stepping in for Jack Eichel on the first line or mentoring Holtz on the third. Cassidy has the ultimate wild card at his disposal, moving Hertl up and down the lineup to provide scoring. It also opens up opportunities, including moving Roy into one of the wing positions. That could help Vegas improve, giving them a much-needed group boost. As a wise man once said...
feed