Tomas Hertl

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Hertl started his playing career with HC Slavia Praha in the Czech Extraliga. He was drafted by the San Jose Sharks with the 17th overall pick in the 2012 draft. He signed a three-year entry-level contract on 3 June 2013. In his rookie season, he scored four goals against the New York Rangers on 8 October 2013, becoming the first Shark to score four goals in one game since Owen Nolan in 1995. He was named October Rookie of the Month. On 19 December 2013, he injured his knee after a collision with Dustin Brown and had surgery on his MCL and PCL. He returned on 11 April 2014. He signed a two-year, $6 million extension on 29 June 2016, and a four-year extension on 2 July 2018. During the 2018–19 season, he posted 74 points in 77 games. In January 2020, he participated in the 2020 NHL All-Star Game as an alternate, scoring four goals. On 29 January 2020, he suffered season-ending tears to the ACL and MCL. On 16 March 2022, he signed an eight-year contract extension with the Sharks. On 8 March 2024, he was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights for prospect David Edstrom and a 2025 first-round pick. He played his first game for Vegas on 8 April 2024.

In Their Own Story

The arena hums with tension as the final seconds tick away. Hertl, jersey number 48 stained with sweat and ice shavings, circles the blue line, eyes locked on the play developing in the corner. He receives a desperate pass, pivots through traffic, and fires a one-timer that screams past the goalie's blocker. The crowd erupts, a roar of relief and adoration for the player who has carried this team through so many battles.

Reader's Guide

Hertl is a forward known for his large body, physical and defensive play, and effective passing. He is not the most agile skater or finisher, but his agility compensates for his speed. When given the opportunity to shoot, he can be dangerous.

Did You Know?

• Hertl is the first player born in the modern Czech Republic after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia to appear in an NHL game.
• He became the first Shark to score four goals in one game since Owen Nolan in 1995.
• He scored four goals in the 2020 NHL All-Star Game, the first Sharks player to do so.
• He scored a short-handed goal in double overtime in Game 6 of the 2019 first-round playoffs against the Vegas Golden Knights to force a Game 7.