Vegas Golden Knights fans have been through it before. They're having a grand ol' Christmas dinner with the family, enjoying everyone's company. You're seeing cousins you haven't hung out with in years, catching up on what's happening in their lives. Then, that one uncle starts talking about politics.
That's the feeling Golden Knights fans will get on Friday regarding their beloved center, Tomas Hertl. Formerly a revered figure for the San Jose Sharks, the Czech forward will return to old stomping grounds at SAP Center.
In March, the Golden Knights acquired the 31-year-old from the Sharks in an unconventional trade between both teams. The deal sent former first-round pick David Edstrom and a 2025 first-round NHL Draft pick to San Jose as well. The return? Third-round picks in the 2025 and 2027 NHL Drafts.
The return to his old home will be an interesting one for both sides. For one, Sharks fans aren't fond of Golden Knights fans, where their rivalry goes back to the 2017-18 season. On the other, Hertl has captured the hearts of both fanbases, becoming a beloved figure in both communities.
That's why Friday will feel like it's similar to that drunken uncle talking about politics. It'll become an awkward exchange where Sharks fans will feel conflicted. Some will root for the Czech forward because "fun must be always." Others will see him as a traitor because he's on the gold team now. Still, it'll be another chapter in the storied rivalry, where fans will remember his name in the annals.
Tomas Hertl is the gift that keeps on giving for the Vegas Golden Knights
Looking at Tomas Hertl's career, he's been one of the more productive centers for the San Jose Sharks. He scored 218 goals and 266 assists during his 11-year stint, with 50 goals and 59 assists on the power play.
Speaking of which, he's carried that expertise over to the Vegas Golden Knights. Since April 7, the Golden Knights have a power play percentage of 29.2%. Their current percentage stands in sixth place in the NHL at 25.9%, with the 31-year-old being a big part of that standing.
Hertl has seven power play goals (tied for seventh) in 2024-25, making him one of the unit's focal points. Along the way, he's propelled his unit mates to new heights, including Jack Eichel (12 assists on the man advantage, tied for 12th in the NHL) and Shea Theodore (11 assists, tied for 16th in the NHL).
The Hertl effect has been outstanding for the Golden Knights this season, giving them an unforeseen edge on special teams. It has also benefitted one rival more than the other, adding another layer to the long-standing rivalry.
How Hertl has helped the Vegas Golden Knights more
San Jose Sharks fans won't like seeing this statistic. But it's the harsh reality of rooting for a team mired in the Pacific Division basement. The Sharks power play has an all-time percentage of 19.6% with Tomas Hertl on it. That number drastically pales in comparison to his time with the Golden Knights.
But here's the thing, dear reader. Hertl has more pieces to work with compared to his Sharks days. Now, he has Mark Stone and Jack Eichel accompanying him on the first unit. Eichel quarterbacks the unit like Patrick Mahomes in the postseason, setting up scoring opportunities galore. Stone and Hertl move in front of the net, wreaking havoc on opposing goaltenders.
The Czech forward didn't have that in his later years. His old team was stuck in a rebuild, giving him aging players and raw rookies. In turn, it left them with an endless array of turnovers and successful exits for the opponents. Sure, the power play unit for Vegas might be slowing down a bit. However, one must admit the Golden Knights have grown on special teams because of the 31-year-old.
That also complicates the rivalry further. Seeing your former favorite player succeed on a hated rival is conflicting, especially when that team's a Stanley Cup contender. One feels for the Sharks in this matter, for they haven't had much success in a long time. But for Golden Knights fans? They don't care one bit.