Vegas Golden Knights scouting report on a division rival with the San Jose Sharks

The Vegas Golden Knights and San Jose Sharks don't like each other. This rivalry might've cooled off in recent years, but the memories remain. Will there be new memories in 2024-25? Will Tomas Hertl exact his revenge on his former club?

Vegas Golden Knights v San Jose Sharks / Thearon W. Henderson/GettyImages

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What about Tomas Hertl?

The Golden Knights must overwhelm the San Jose Sharks with experience and bigger bodies. The good news is they'll have Tomas Hertl for a full season, which will boost Vegas in many ways. That includes the second line and power play, where he'll become a reliable two-way player.

Last season, the Sharks surprised everyone by trading Hertl to the Golden Knights for prospect David Edstrom and a first-round pick. Third-round picks in the 2025 and 2027 NHL Drafts were also sent to Vegas, giving them more ammo. But for now, the big center will grace the front of the net, causing havoc for opposing goaltenders.

He played 54 games with San Jose and Vegas, scoring 17 goals and 21 assists. He scored two goals and two assists in six games with the Golden Knights, with one of each coming on the power play. The expectation will be boosting the special teams and getting in front of the goaltender, where he'll redirect pucks. Hertl will have an expanded role with Vegas, something he didn't have last season with the Sharks.

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