Tomas Hertl Expected To Make Golden Knights Debut Against Canucks
Former San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl is projected to make his Vegas Golden Knights debut against the Vancouver Canucks tonight.
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports - Tomas Hertl Expected To Make Golden Knights Debut Against CanucksFormer San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl is projected to make his Vegas Golden Knights debut against the Vancouver Canucks tonight.
The weirdness of seeing Hertl in a Golden Knights jersey will last some time, but the centerman wants a cup. Hertl has been dealing with a knee injury that required surgery after the All-Star break.
Hertl has 34 points (15 goals, 19 assists) in 48 games this season. He hasn't played since January 27th against the Buffalo Sabres. During that game, Hertl took a low hit that aggravated this prior injury he attempted to play through.
Hertl had been skating on his own for a little while, but joined his new teammates for practice on April 1st in a red, non-contact uniform. He only lasted a day in that jersey as he dawned a white full-contact practice jersey the next day.
Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy said Hertl would "probably play" today. He also said he expects to have the former Shark start on the wing. At practice yesterday, Hertl skated on the left wing with Chandler Stephenson and Michael Amadio.
For Hertl to play, the Knights need to clear some cap space. Hertl had been sitting on LTIR.
The Golden Knights play the Vancouver Canucks tonight in what should be a high-powered Pacific Divison game. With only one other NHL game on the schedule tonight, Hertl's Vegas debut should have considerable hype around it.
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