BLOCKBUSTER: Vegas Golden Knights acquire Tomas Hertl from San Jose Sharks

The Vegas Golden Knights and San Jose Sharks have pulled off a late blockbuster ahead of the 3pm deadline as the Golden Knights have acquired Tomas Hertl from the Sharks.

BREAKING, as per @TSNBobMcKenzie ... Vegas is working on a Tomas Hertl deal with San Jose.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 8, 2024

With Mark Stone landing on LTIR before the deadline, the Golden Knights have used the extra cap space to first off add Anthony Mantha and Noah Hanifin and now turned their attention to Hertl. The newest Golden Knight has some serious term left on his deal at $8.13 AAV through the 2029-30 season.

Hertl had to waive his NMC to go to Vegas. He has 6 more years left on his contract. He's injured right now, but as I mentioned on @NHLNetwork, he will be ready for the playoffs.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 8, 2024

Hertl has appeared in 48 games this season in San Jose, recording 34 points. His best season came back in 2018-19 when he posted 74 points in 77 games. Vegas will be over the salary cap once Stone returns, but reminder there is no salary cap during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Here's Hertl's 2023-24 Stat Card. Not bad considering *gestures at San Jose trainwreck*

It's hard to tell what he'll be in Vegas because he's had very little consistency in any regard lately but god damn this is a fun play by them. #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/mQz9YN7vQu
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 8, 2024

1st ‘25
David Edstrom (VGK 1st in 23)
Hertl at $6.75 (17% retained)
3rd in 25
3rd in 27
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 8, 2024

Tomas Hertl having a positive season on the train wreck is as miraculous as Vegas somehow acquiring him.
What. A. Deal. pic.twitter.com/ftuvRWq6UB
— dom 📈 (@domluszczyszyn) March 8, 2024

Vegas now has the opportunity to activate over $17 million off IR & LTIR once the regular season ends.
— Mike Stephens (@mikeystephens81) March 8, 2024