Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon revealed that talks with the Sharks about trading Tomáš Hertl had been ongoing for weeks, surprising the NHL world when the deal was finalized at the trade deadline.
McCrimmon explained that discussions began before Hertl’s injury, emphasizing the player’s impressive performance against Vegas and the significant term left on his contract.
Acknowledging the complexity of the deal, McCrimmon highlighted the extensive process involved in making such decisions for both organizations.
In exchange for Hertl, the Sharks acquired two first-round draft picks (2023 and 2025) and sent two third-round draft picks (2025 and 2027) to the Golden Knights. Additionally, San Jose retained 17 percent of Hertl’s remaining contract. Hertl, recovering from knee surgery, is on Long-Term Injury Reserve and is expected to join the Golden Knights for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in April.
McCrimmon also discussed the retention aspect of the trade, pointing out the involvement of ownership in determining the additional cost for a team to secure retention.
He emphasized that the Hertl trade was the most prolonged negotiation, but it ultimately benefited both organizations.
The Sharks, amidst their rebuilding phase, signed Hertl to an eight-year, $65.1 million contract extension in the 2021-22 NHL season, and now Vegas will bear a reduced cost of $6.75 million per year, down from the original $8.1 million, as San Jose retains a portion of Hertl’s salary.
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