The Vegas Golden Knights have made a significant trade with the San Jose Sharks, acquiring center Tomas Hertl and a pair of third-round picks in exchange for a first-round pick in 2025 and prospect David Edstrom. This trade comes just days following the Golden Knights made a three-team deal with the Philadelphia Flyers to acquire defenseman Noah Hanifin from the Calgary Flames.
Hertl, a talented forward, brings a wealth of skill and versatility to the Golden Knights. Good in all three zones, he is a playmaker with scoring ability and a responsible player in his own end. His presence will greatly enhance the team’s in-zone offense, particularly around the net and below the goal line. Additionally, Hertl’s return to the lineup will bolster an already deep center group that includes Jack Eichel, William Karlsson, Chandler Stephenson, and Nicolas Roy. With these additions, few teams can match the Golden Knights’ strength up the middle.
While the Golden Knights gave up a lot in this trade, including their top prospect Edstrom and a first-round pick in 2025, the inclusion of the Sharks retaining 17 percent of Hertl’s salary makes it a worthwhile investment. Hertl, signed through the 2029-30 season, comes at a cap hit of only $6.75 million for the next six seasons. Considering his consistent performance over the last six seasons in San Jose, averaging 0.82 points per game, this trade provides excellent value for the Golden Knights.
Looking ahead, this trade has significant implications for the Golden Knights and the NHL as a whole. The addition of key players such as Hertl and Hanifin strengthens the Golden Knights’ roster and further solidifies their position as contenders in the Pacific Division. With a strong center group and a bolstered defensive pairing, the Golden Knights are poised to make a deep playoff run and challenge for the Stanley Cup.
This trade also reflects the ongoing trend of NHL teams actively making moves as the trade deadline approaches. The competition for top talent is fierce, and teams are willing to part with valuable assets to improve their chances of success. As the league continues to evolve and become more competitive, we can expect similar blockbuster trades in the future.
In conclusion, the Vegas Golden Knights’ acquisition of Tomas Hertl and Noah Hanifin through trades with the San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames respectively, strengthens their lineup and elevates their status as contenders in the NHL. These moves highlight the team’s commitment to building a championship-caliber roster and reflect the ongoing trend of aggressive player acquisitions in the league. With a deep center group and a solid defensive pairing, the Golden Knights are well-positioned for future success.