The San Jose Sharks have made a major trade, announcing that forward Tomas Hertl has been traded to the Vegas Golden Knights. In exchange, the Sharks will receive a 2025 first-round draft selection and prospect center David Edstrom.

Hertl, a key player for the Sharks, has spent his entire NHL career with the organization. He has appeared in 712 games, scoring 218 goals and tallying 266 assists. He ranks fifth in franchise history in goals and sixth in points. Hertl also played a crucial role in the Sharks' historic series win against the Golden Knights in the First Round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs, scoring a shorthanded game-winning goal in double-overtime.

While the trade is a difficult decision for the Sharks, General Manager Mike Grier expressed that it was necessary for the team's rebuilding process. Grier noted Hertl's talent on the ice and his qualities as a person off the ice, making him a valuable asset. The Sharks will retain approximately 17% of Hertl's salary.

Coming to San Jose in the trade is prospect center David Edstrom. The 19-year-old Swede was selected by the Golden Knights in the 2023 NHL Draft and is currently playing with Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). Edstrom has collected 17 points in 42 games with Frolunda, and has also represented Sweden at the World Junior Championships.

The Sharks will also receive a 2025 first-round draft pick from the Golden Knights, adding another valuable asset to their roster. The draft pick provides an opportunity for the Sharks to secure a promising young player in the future.

As the trade marks the end of Hertl's time with the Sharks, Grier acknowledged the impact that the forward made on the franchise and its fans. Hertl, a two-time All-Star with the team, leaves a lasting legacy with his impressive performances on the ice and his contributions to the Sharks' success.

While the Sharks bid farewell to Hertl, they now turn their focus to shaping their roster and continuing their rebuilding process. With the addition of the draft pick and prospect center Edstrom, the Sharks aim to build a competitive team that meets the expectations of their loyal fanbase.

The trade signifies a new chapter in Hertl's career as he joins the Golden Knights, where he will have an opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup. The Sharks organization wishes Hertl, his wife Aneta, and their two children the very best in their future endeavors.

With the trade complete, both teams will now look towards the future, utilizing their new assets to strengthen their respective rosters. Only time will tell how this trade will shape the destiny of the San Jose Sharks and the Vegas Golden Knights in the seasons to come.