Tomas Hertl will make his much-anticipated debut with the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday (April 8).
“Hertl’s travelling (and) will probably play tomorrow,” head coach Bruce Cassidy told reporters after Sunday’s practice. “Will probably finalize that tomorrow.”
The Golden Knights acquired Hertl on March 8 at the trade deadline.
The 30-year-old forward injured his knee while still with the San Jose Sharks. He hasn’t played since Jan. 27, but had surgery to repair his knee on Feb. 12 and has been working his way back ever since.
He made his practice debut on April 1, but was in a red, no-contact jersey. He has since upgraded to a white, full-contact jersey, but has yet to travel with the team.
???? Cassidy on Tomas Hertl: He will travel and probably play tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/g4SuY0wymw
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) April 7, 2024
That’s going to change on Monday, and Hertl is ready for it.
“I don’t know what the plan is when everybody is healthy. I’m ready for everything,” Hertl said last month. “I’ve played for 11 years. I think I’ve played half (wing) and half (center). It’s great to see how deep we are.”
A two-time 30-goal scorer, Tomas Hertl had recorded 15 goals and 19 assists in 48 games with the Sharks before the injury. His addition is paramount for the Golden Knights.
Where Does Tomas Hertl Fit in the Lineup?
Of course, Hertl entering the lineup means someone has to exit — but who?
“It’s a good problem to have,” Cassidy said, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “All we ask now is if you’re not in, be a good pro, practice hard, be ready to go when it’s your turn.”
For Friday’s game, there’s a good chance he joins Chandler Stephenson and Michael Amadio on the second line. That’s where he was slotted in line rushes during Sunday’s practice.
TOMAS HERTL IS IN A WHITE JERSEY FOLKS!!!
???????????? pic.twitter.com/4wWSXk6OCj
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) April 2, 2024
If that’s the case, he will replace Paul Cotter — who is currently filling in for William Carrier (upper body). Cotter will move to the fourth line with Brendan Brisson being removed from the roster.
It makes sense to play him at the wing, considering they already have Jack Eichel, William Karlsson, Nicolas Roy, and Stephenson at center.
Roy didn’t travel with the team on Friday, but was replaced by Brett Howden. He’ll be out again on Monday and could miss Wednesday’s game vs. the Edmonton Oilers, but should be back by the end of the week.
Since Cassidy said he wants Hertl to start at the wing, expect Howden to replace Roy for the second straight game.
Golden Knights Can Use a Spark
For Vegas, Hertl’s debut couldn’t be coming at a better time.
The team currently holds the second wild-card spot, but has yet to clinch a spot in the playoffs. With six games remaining in the regular season, Vegas is running out of time — but don’t worry, time is still on their side.
They still hold a five-point lead over the St. Louis Blues and a nine-point lead over the Minnesota Wild. They also have two more games than the Blues, and one more than Minnesota.
???? Eichel on the road trip: There's important points at stake and we're playing two divisional opponents that are ahead of us in the standings. pic.twitter.com/y554c5isy7
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) April 7, 2024
It would take a major end-of-the-season collapse for Vegas to miss the playoffs, but you never know.
For now, the Vegas Golden Knights are focused on what’s ahead — the Vancouver Canucks.
The game starts at 7 p.m. inside Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC, on Monday (April 8).
If you don’t already have a Tomas Hertl jersey, now is the perfect time to get one!
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, but check back for new articles daily!
