The Vegas Golden Knights gave up their top prospect to acquire Tomas Hertl but he struggled to be productive creating some concern.
The Vegas Golden Knights gave up their top prospect to acquire Tomas Hertl but he struggled to be productive creating some concern. He played on multiple lines during the Golden Knights first-round matchup against the Dallas Stars and could never seem to find his game.
Everyone in the Golden Knights organization knows what kind of player Hertl can be. He was the 17th overall pick in the 2012 NHL draft and his talent has been on display since he played his first NHL game.
The 30-year-old has played 718 NHL games and has scored 220 goals and 488 points. He's registered a career-high of 35 goals and 74 points. His skill and size make him effective in numerous roles.
The Golden Knights acquired Hertl when he was recovering from knee surgery. He missed 28 games this season but was still able to record 15 goals and 34 points with the last-place San Jose Sharks. The Golden Knights acquired Hertl knowing that he was more than just a rental for the postseason. He has six years remaining on his contract and will be a Golden Knight until he is 36 years old.
Despite knowing that he'll be with the team beyond this season, they were hoping for him to have a greater impact in the playoffs. In seven games he scored just one goal which came in Game 1. The Czech-born forward has been a good playoff performer throughout his career and he's scored clutch goals including one against the Golden Knights. Before the series against the Stars, Hertl recorded two goals and five points in four Game 7's.
Hertl shouldered some of the blame for the Golden Knights coming up short in their quest for another Stanley Cup.
"It was tough for me when we lost it because I know I can help way more than I did during the playoffs."
The cause for concern over Hertl is valid due to there being many cases where players can never completely find their game after undergoing surgery. On the flip side, there shouldn't be a cause for concern because it wasn't a major surgery and recovering from it still takes time. It's challenging for players to get up to game speed during the middle of the regular season let alone jumping into the playoffs with a brand-new team.
An offseason for Hertl to get fully healthy and a training camp and preseason for him to build chemistry with his teammates will do wonders for him and he'll be back to the All-Star he is and that what he plans to do.
"I just want to now get fully healthy, stronger, and just be ready for the season. Hopefully, I enjoy all 82 games, full season, and help this team to win."
Hertl carries a positive mindset with him everywhere he goes. His motto is "fun must be always". HC Bruce Cassidy is always able to get the most out of his players and he'll find Hertl the right linemates and role for him to succeed.
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