Golden Knights Acquire Tomas Hertl in Blockbuster Trade With Sharks, per Reports

In perhaps the biggest deal of Friday’s trade deadline, the Golden Knights took a significant step forward to improving its offense ahead of its Stanley Cup defense.

The Vegas Golden Knights took another step forward in the quest to defend their Stanley Cup title after landing center Tomas Hertl in a blockbuster trade with the San Jose Sharks on Friday afternoon, according to TSN‘s Bob McKenzie.

TSN‘s Darren Dreger added that the Knights are sending a 2025 first-round pick and forward David Edstrom back to the Sharks in the deal. Vegas will receive a third-round pick in 2025 and 2027, and the Sharks will retain 17% of Hertl’s salary on their books.

The 30-year-old Hertl will provide an offensive boost to the Golden Knights upon his return from a knee injury. Hertl has been sidelined since Feb. 12, but is expected to return before the start of the playoffs.

In 48 games this season, Hertl has scored 15 goals and added 19 assists.

The trade of Hertl marks a surprising end to his 11-year tenure in San Jose. Prior to the start of last season, Hertl signed an eight-year, $65.1 million deal to remain with the Sharks that pays him $8.137 million annually.

The rebuilding Sharks, who sit tied for last in the Western Conference with 37 points, now have a top-line forward of the future in Edstrom, who has scored six goals and added 11 assists in 42 games this season in the Swedish Hockey League.