When the Vegas Golden Knights acquired Tomas Hertl from the San Jose Sharks in 2024, the goal was simple. Get a big center who can play in the bumper on the power play. The Golden Knights had a historically awful power play that only generated a franchise-best 22% in 2019-20 during the time. Believe it or not, that has paid off massively.
The Golden Knights have had a power play percentage of 26.9% since Hertl came on board. That included 28 power play goals with the Golden Knights, turning them into an unstoppable unit. Sounds like a long-term piece that you'd keep around until he retires, right?
Well... that's the thing. The Golden Knights are a different team. They believe in getting useful veterans for their various Stanley Cup playoff runs, whether it's Jack Eichel or Mark Stone. If they don't play like they're undervalued, well, they're shown the door.
Ironically, this isn't the first time that Hertl's been discussed in such trade rumors, either. Remember the rumors surrounding the Czech Olympian and the Hurricanes? Good times, my friend. But a potential package with Hertl makes more sense than people realize.
Why Tomas Hertl being a trade piece for the Vegas Golden Knights makes perfect sense
Reading Ted Kulfan's article in The Detroit Free Press today, he mentioned how the Red Wings need a comparable center in a Dylan Larkin trade. Detroit was in the market for a No. 2 center during the previous offseason, which would've alleviated the offensive pressure. Yes, Hertl isn't perfect since he doesn't necessarily play both ends of the ice. However, he could be what the Red Wings needed on special teams.
The Czech Olympian has 27 power goals in his last two seasons, establishing an unbeatable slot presence for the Golden Knights. Detroit had a power play percentage of 22.6% this past regular season, ranking 12th in the NHL. Hertl's slot presence would be a nice touch for the Red Wings, given his size and specialized play.
Of course, you could also look at the Winnipeg Jets as another team that could use Hertl's services. This past season, Winnipeg ranked 24th in the NHL in power play percentage (18.5%), lacking the bite it had from the prior season (NHL-best percentage of 28.9%). Whatever the case, Hertl is a potential option for numerous big deals, specifically in the offsetting salary side.
Hertl does have some downsides that make him less lucrative to trade
As mentioned, Hertl isn't going to be a 200-foot player like he once was. The Prague native is 32 years old and carries a cap hit of $6.75 million (San Jose retains 17.05% of his contract). He's also specialized in the special teams department, making him a niche player. Finally, only three teams being approved for a trade makes life even more complicated. Still, that should deter McCrimmon from making a move.
Hertl does have an approved team trade list that goes up to 15 in the summer of 2028. If Hertl doesn't get moved this summer, there's a realistic possibility that he could be moved down the road. That $6.75 million cap hit will look like nothing if the NHL's salary cap continues growing. Add in the 32-year-old having two more years left on his deal by that time and things look far more attractive.
The Golden Knights have shown that they're not afraid of making a blockbuster deal or two. Yes, that's generated hate from 31 other fanbases. But you can't deny that it's made them competitive, whether it's with Marc-Andre Fleury or possibly Hertl. Here's hoping that "fun will still be always" if the Prague native leaves town.
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