Predicting the 2024-25 season for Tomas Hertl
In March 2024, the Vegas Golden Knights shook the NHL to its core. They acquired Tomas Hertl from the San Jose Sharks and Noah Hanifin from the Calgary Flames. The moves made them significantly better, turning Vegas into an offensive juggernaut. The only problem? The unit was together for a short time, as they were eliminated in the first round by the Dallas Stars.
Then, numerous big names left town, leaving a void for the Golden Knights. Suddenly, Kelly McCrimmon was scrambling to acquire a big name, eyeing Steven Stamkos after Jonathan Marchessault left town. When the seven-time All-Star joined the "Original Misfit" in Nashville, it was game over. Now, Hertl has a shell of the mega group's former self, with the team's Stanley Cup aspirations diminished.
So what does the new season hold for the trade deadline acquisition? Will being the big body make a difference for Hertl? Although the Golden Knights look drastically different from last season, fans can still count on players like the Czech forward to come through. Here's what 2024-25 holds for Hertl as October rolls around.
What does Tomas Hertl bring to the table for the Vegas Golden Knights?
One thing that stands out about the center is his big size. Tomas Hertl stands at 6'3" and weighs 215 lbs., making him a tough matchup. That's true when deployed in front of the net, where he deflects and redirects pucks at will. The Czech forward is a great power play asset, when he can obstruct the goaltender's view easily.
Other factors that make him great include a strong two-way game. The former Shark has developed a more physical game as he's played more, adapting to the NHL's pace. In turn, it's made him into a reliable piece on the forecheck. Overall, it's made his game more well-rounded as he's become a noteworthy threat.
He's expected to be deployed on the second line with Mark Stone and Pavel Dorofeyev, where he'll carry the line. The unit should provide a strong anchor for the Vegas Golden Knights top six, making them one of the NHL's best. Whether he can adapt to the new style with Noah Hanifin in a full season will remain to be seen.