Tomáš Hertl Bio
Tomáš Hertl (born 12 November 1993) is a Czech professional ice hockey forward who currently plays for the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL). Hertl was selected 17th overall in the 2012 NHL entry draft by the San Jose Sharks, with whom he spent his first 11 seasons before being traded in 2024. He is the first player born in the modern Czech Republic after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia to appear in an NHL game. Hertl has represented the Czech Republic internationally at multiple tournaments including the World Championships, World Cup, and the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Early Life and Background
Tomáš Hertl was born on 12 November 1993 in Prague, Czech Republic. Hertl grew up in the Czech capital and developed his passion for hockey at a young age, following in the footsteps of many Czech players who have made their mark in North American hockey leagues. His upbringing in Prague provided him with access to the country’s rich hockey culture and infrastructure.
Hertl began his organized hockey journey with HC Slavia Praha, one of Prague’s historic clubs. He progressed through the club’s youth system, developing his skills on the ice while honing the fundamentals that would later define his professional career. His early exposure to competitive hockey in the Czech Extraliga system prepared him for the challenges ahead.
Path to the NHL
Hertl played for HC Slavia Praha’s under-18 and under-20 squads starting in 2009-10. In his first season with the under-20 team, Hertl was the third-highest scorer, recording 12 goals and 26 assists. On the under-18 team, he added 13 goals and 10 assists. The following season, he was among four players on the U20 team with 40 or more points, contributing 14 goals and 27 assists.
By the 2011-12 season, Hertl had established himself as a rising prospect, ranking as the fourth-leading scorer for Slavia’s senior team with 11 goals and 15 assists. His performance caught the attention of NHL scouts, with the NHL Central Scouting Bureau ranking him fifth among European skaters ahead of the 2012 NHL entry draft. Sports Illustrated ranked him as the 18th best prospect in the draft class.
Tomáš Hertl Career
HC Slavia Praha (2011-2013)
After being drafted by the San Jose Sharks with the 17th overall pick in the 2012 NHL entry draft, Hertl rejoined HC Slavia Praha to continue his development. In the 2012-13 season, he recorded 30 points in 43 games for the Czech Extraliga club. Being selected by the Sharks made him the first European player drafted with the Sharks’ top pick since Czech Lukáš Kašpar was chosen in 2004.
San Jose Sharks Breakthrough (2013-2024)
The Sharks officially signed Hertl to a three-year, entry-level contract on 3 June 2013. In the preseason, he scored 3 goals and 1 assist while playing alongside veterans Joe Thornton and Brent Burns. Hertl made his NHL debut against the Vancouver Canucks on 3 October 2013 and tallied his first career point with an assist on a goal by Brent Burns. At age 19, he became the first teenager to play in a season opener for the Sharks since Marc-Édouard Vlasic in 2006.
Hertl scored his first two NHL goals on 5 October 2013 against Mike Smith of the Phoenix Coyotes, becoming the youngest player to score two goals for the Sharks in one game since Patrick Marleau in 1999. Just three days later, on 8 October, Hertl registered four goals against the New York Rangers in a 9-2 victory, making him the fourth youngest player in NHL history to record a four-goal game at 19 years and 330 days old. He was named the October Rookie of the Month, leading all rookies with eight goals and 11 points in 13 games.
However, Hertl’s rookie season was interrupted when he injured his knee during a collision with Dustin Brown of the Los Angeles Kings on 19 December 2013. He underwent surgery on his MCL and PCL in his right knee on 31 December. He returned to action on 11 April 2014 after missing 45 games and scored his first career playoff goal two days later against the Kings.
Vegas Golden Knights Era (2024-Present)
On 8 March 2024, Hertl was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights along with 2025 and 2027 third-round draft picks in exchange for prospect David Edstrom and a 2025 first-round pick. The move marked the end of his 11-season tenure with the Sharks organization. Hertl played his first game for Vegas on 8 April 2024, recording an assist in a 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hertl is known as a versatile two-way forward who plays a physical game while contributing offensively. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 215 pounds, he uses his large frame effectively in both ends of the ice. Scouts have noted his good physical and defensive play, effective passing ability, and dangerous shot when given opportunities. While not the fastest skater, his agility helps compensate for his speed, allowing him to create scoring chances.
Notable Events and Milestones
During the 2018-19 season, Hertl posted 74 points in 77 games as the Sharks advanced to the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs. In the first-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights, he scored a short-handed goal in double overtime of Game 6 to force a Game 7, which the Sharks won 5-4. The dramatic goal became one of the defining moments of his career. In January 2020, Hertl participated in the NHL All-Star Game as an alternate and became the first Sharks player to score four goals in an All-Star Game during the Pacific Division’s semifinal victory.
Tomáš Hertl Career Wins
Throughout his NHL career, Hertl has accumulated significant offensive statistics across both the regular season and playoffs while representing two franchises. His career has been marked by consistent scoring and memorable performances in high-pressure situations.
San Jose Sharks Highlights
With the Sharks over 11 seasons, Hertl established himself as a reliable scoring forward and fan favorite. His four-goal game against the New York Rangers in October 2013 remains one of the most impressive rookie performances in franchise history. The Sharks reached the Western Conference Finals during his career, with Hertl’s overtime heroics helping them defeat the Golden Knights in the first round of the 2019 playoffs. He was selected to the NHL All-Star Game in 2020 and signed an eight-year contract extension with the Sharks in March 2022.
International Achievements
Hertl has represented the Czech Republic at numerous international tournaments. He played at the 2011 IIHF World U18 Championships, scoring one goal as the team finished eighth. He participated in the 2012 and 2013 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, recording three goals and two assists in 2012. Hertl played for the Czech team at the 2013 IIHF World Championship and was the youngest player on the roster. He returned for the 2015 World Championship and was selected for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. Most recently, he helped the Czech Republic win bronze at the 2022 IIHF World Championship.
Tomáš Hertl Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
While Hertl’s parents have not been extensively covered in public sources, his success has been part of a broader tradition of Czech hockey players making their mark in the NHL. His milestone as the first player born in the modern Czech Republic to play in an NHL game added historical significance to his career path.
Personal Life
Hertl is married and has two sons. He maintains an active presence on social media, where he shares glimpses of his life both on and off the ice with his followers. His Instagram account @hertlik48 provides fans with updates about his career and family life.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NHL season marks Hertl’s first full season with the Vegas Golden Knights following his mid-season arrival in March 2024. After acclimating to his new team during the end of the previous season, Hertl has had the opportunity to work into the Golden Knights’ system throughout the campaign. The Golden Knights, consistent contenders in the Western Conference, have looked to Hertl’s veteran presence and scoring ability to bolster their lineup as they pursue another Stanley Cup playoff appearance.
Hertl’s experience from over a decade in the NHL has provided the Golden Knights with a versatile forward who can contribute in all situations. His two-way play and physical style fit well with the team’s identity. The 2025 season continues to showcase his ability to perform at a high level as he enters his 13th professional season since beginning his career in 2011. His international commitment to represent the Czech Republic at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan has also kept his profile prominent on the global hockey stage.