Sharks trade all-star Tomas Hertl to Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights have made another big splash just before the deadline, adding San Jose Sharks star Tomas Hertl.

Hertl would have had to waive his no-move clause to go to Vegas. He is in the second year of an eight-year, $65.1 million contract that carries a $8,137,500 million cap hit.

The Sharks will retain 17 per cent of Hertl's cap hit for the remainder of the contract. In exchange, San Jose receive top prospect David Edstrom and a first-round pick in 2025.

The Golden Knights receive third-round picks in 2025 and 2027 from San Jose.

Hertl had knee surgery in early February and is currently on long-term injured reserve but is expected to return before the season ends.

"I have made the decision to have this procedure done now so that I can return to 100 per cent as soon as possible," Hertl said at the time of the surgery. "I look forward to returning to the ice and getting back with my teammates as soon as I can."

Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said Friday that the team anticipates Hertl will be available before the end of the regular season, and they will know more once Hertl arrives in Vegas.

McCrimmon also confirmed that captain Mark Stone will miss the rest of the regular season with a lacerated spleen and added that "it's impossible to know what the timeline is." Stone hasn't played since Feb. 20.

Hertl was by far the brightest star on a Sharks team deep into a rebuild. He has 15 goals and 43 points in 48 games this season.

The move is the third big addition made by the defending Stanley Cup champions. The Golden Knights added scoring winger Anthony Mantha and top-pair defenceman Noah Hanifin in trades earlier in the week. Vegas is currently a wild-card team, with 73 points.