Tomas Hertl Opens Up About All Kinds of Topics With Golden Knights; Joel Ward Has Been A Big Help

Tomas Hertl met with the Vegas Golden Knights media today for the first time and discussed multiple topics.

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Tomas Hertl met with the Vegas Golden Knights media today for the first time and discussed multiple topics.

*Quotes transcribed from audio obtained from Paul Delos Santos and Golden Knights PR*

Hertl could only smile, like he always does, as he spoke about his excitement.

"I don't think so. I don't think anybody was expecting I'd be here," Hertl said. "With the first couple of years with the big rivalry, but things change. I'm part of the Vegas Golden Knights organization, and I'm really excited about it because it's a really good team."

Hertl didn't sugarcoat his answer about how tough it had been on him playing for the rebuilding Sharks.

"The Situation in San Jose, it wasn't easy the last couple of years because you've been used to being in the playoffs every year, fighting for a cup," he said. "The last couple of years, halfway through the season, you know you're out. It gets harder and harder every year, especially this year."

Hertl said that location didn't play a significant role in his decision to approve the trade to Vegas, but it didn't hurt that the Golden Knights were the team to acquire him.

"We've got two kids. So when I told my wife Las Vegas, she got it because, for 11 years, I think we've been living in a pretty good spot," he joked. "I don't think she minded because I'm with Joel Ward. We played together, so my wife and his wife know each other so we already heard from them that it was great to live here. That definitely helped."

Ward played for the Sharks from 2015-2018. In 2016, the Sharks made the run to the Stanley Cup Final. Ward is in his first season as an assistant coach for the Golden Knights.

Hertl wanted a chance at the Stanley Cup. That was the whole reason why he waived his no-trade clause. He felt that the Golden Knights roster is built for the playoffs.

When asked who he was looking forward to playing with instead of against, Hertl said he couldn't pick one player.

"It's always the defensemen because they are a little harder. They cross-check you in front of the net," Hertl explained. "I don't have a particular guy but just overall because the [Sharks] were dominated the last couple a couple of years. During that time, I hated them all because it wasn't much fun. Now I'm on the same side."

Hertl learned that many of his new teammates have kids. Hertl is moving to Las Vegas with a three-year-old and a one-year-old and is excited for them to make new friends.

He was also asked what his favorite and least favorite memories of playing the Golden Knights were. Of course, he picked the iconic game seven comeback in 2019, but he also added in his shorthanded game six double overtime winning goal.

"I think it was [Vegas'] first year when we got beat up in the playoffs," Hertl said about his least favorite memory.

Hertl is currently on IR but gave a two-week timeline of "slowly getting back on the ice." He didn't commit to a possible return timeline but referenced that he is only four weeks removed from his procedure.

Reports suggest that Hertl will return with around two weeks remaining in the regular season.

Hertl's time in San Jose won't be forgotten, and Sharks fans will love him forever. However, after speaking with the Golden Knights media today, it is time for both sides to move on to the next chapter.

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