Tomas Hertl 'progressing' toward Golden Knights debut

Forward Tomas Hertl is inching closer toward making his debut with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Coach Bruce Cassidy, however, did not divulge whether the trade deadline acquisition will be ready to play in the Knights' next game against the Arizona Coyotes on Friday in Tempe, Ariz.

Hertl, 30, has not played in a game since Jan. 27, when he suited up for the San Jose Sharks. He opted to have surgery to clean out loose cartilage in his left knee on Feb. 12.

Playing in the second season of an eight-year, $65.1 million contract, Hertl practiced in a regular jersey with the Golden Knights for the first time on Tuesday.

"I don't know the answer (when he will play)," Cassidy said. "I'm not saying no (to Friday) because he's full. If he's not playing, I don't know if he'll travel or if they want him to go. Again full contact. The next step is playing, so I've not ruled him out for Friday or putting him in, but he's progressing."

Hertl was acquired by Vegas on March 8 for forward David Edstrom and a first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The Golden Knights also received third-round selections in the 2025 and 2027 NHL Drafts.

Hertl has recorded 34 points (15 goals, 19 assists) in 48 games this season. He has 484 points (218 goals, 266 assists) in 712 career games since being selected by San Jose with the 17th overall pick of the 2012 NHL Draft