Sharks trade Hertl to Golden Knights

The San Jose Sharks traded forward Tomas Hertl in a blockbuster deal to the Vegas Golden Knights, the teams announced on Friday.

In exchange, the Sharks are receiving forward prospect David Edstrom and a 2025 first-round selection. San Jose is also sending a 2025 third-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick to Vegas.

Reports initially said San Jose was receiving the pair of third-rounders.

Hertl is in the second season of an eight-year contract with an $8.1375-million cap hit. The Sharks are retaining 17% of Hertl's salary, lowering his cap hit to $6.75 million.

The powerful two-way center is a two-time 30-goal scorer and three-time 60-point producer. Hertl has 34 points in 48 games this season. His offensive underlying numbers have dipped from their usual marks, but his defensive metrics have been strong.

Hertl had spent his entire 11-year career with the Sharks, who drafted him 17th overall in 2012. He ranks sixth on the franchise's all-time points list with 484 in 712 games. Hertl notably scored a double-overtime winner in Game 6 in the first round of the 2019 playoffs against the Golden Knights. The Sharks won in seven games despite trailing the series 3-1.

The Czech center underwent knee surgery in February and was slated to miss several weeks but is expected to return before the postseason.

Upon his return, it's easy to imagine Hertl slotting in as Vegas' second-line center behind Jack Eichel. That could bump William Karlsson to a third-line center role or allow the Swede to shift to the wing.

Vegas' front office has been an aggressive buyer since entering the league in 2017, and this deadline may be the best example yet. In addition to Hertl, the Golden Knights acquired winger Anthony Mantha and defenseman Noah Hanifin as they look to repeat as Stanley Cup champions.

Vegas drafted Edstrom 32nd overall in 2023. The rangy, 6-foot-2 center is a smooth skater who's registered 17 points in 42 games this season for Frolunda in Sweden's top professional league.