Tomáš Hertl is a Czech professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for the Vegas Golden Knights in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Born on November 12, 1993, in Prague, Czech Republic, Hertl stands at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs around 215 pounds.
He shoots left and is known for his size, strength, two-way play, and ability to contribute offensively as a center.
1 was the first player born in the modern Czech Republic (after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia) to appear in an NHL game.
He spent his first 11 NHL seasons with the San Jose Sharks before being traded to Vegas in March 2024.
Siblings
Tomáš has an older brother named Jaroslav Hertl, a former professional ice hockey defenseman.
Jaroslav, born in 1989, also began his career in the HC Slavia Praha system and played in various European leagues, including the Czech Extraliga, Slovak Extraliga, Polish league, EIHL in the UK, and lower-tier French hockey.
The brothers share a hockey background from their youth in Prague, with Jaroslav’s experience in the sport likely influencing Tomáš’s development.
Career
Hertl developed his game with HC Slavia Praha, excelling at the U18 and U20 levels before making his senior Extraliga debut.
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He was named Czech Extraliga Rookie of the Year in 2011-12 after a strong performance as a teenager.
Selected 17th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, he signed his entry-level contract in 2013 and made an explosive NHL debut.
In October 2013, he scored four goals in a single game against the New York Rangers and earned NHL Rookie of the Month honors.
Over his time with the Sharks, Hertl became a cornerstone player, posting career-highs like 35 goals and 74 points in the 2018-19 season when the team reached the Western Conference Finals.
He signed an eight-year contract extension in 2022 but was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in March 2024.
In Vegas, he has continued to produce as a top-line forward while adapting to new teammates and contributing in both regular season and playoff action.
Hertl has also represented Czechia internationally at World Junior Championships, senior World Championships (including a bronze medal in 2022), and the 2026 Olympics.
Accolades
Hertl’s honors include two NHL All-Star Game selections in 2020 and 2024.
In his 2020 appearance, he scored four goals in a single All-Star Game, becoming the first Sharks player to do so.
He was named NHL Rookie of the Month for October 2013 and earned Czech Extraliga Rookie of the Year honors in 2011-12.
At the junior level, he won Czech U18 championships and led in playoff scoring categories.
Internationally, he contributed to Czechia’s bronze medal at the 2022 IIHF World Championship.
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