Golden Knights Masterton Nominee: Hertl’s Dark Horse Case 

On Wednesday, NHL teams took turns issuing statements nominating players for the 2025 Bill Masterton Trophy. The Las Vegas Chapter of the PHWA announced that Tomáš Hertl would be the nominee for the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Bill Masterton Trophy is awarded annually to the player “who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.” No Golden Knights has ever taken home the Masterton, though Robin Lehner won it in 2019 as a member of the New York Islanders.

It hasn’t been an easy calendar year for Hertl. 

In February 2024, Hertl underwent a surgical procedure to remove loose cartilage from his left knee. Less than a month later, the San Jose Sharks—the team that drafted him in 2012—traded him to the Golden Knights. He played just six games during the 2024 regular season and struggled in the playoffs.

Early this season, Hertl struggled to find his game and place on the team. But as the season progressed, he grew more comfortable with his body and the Golden Knights system. When head coach Bruce Cassidy moved Hertl to his natural center position, Hertl became one of the team’s most valuable players.

Hertl spoke about his struggles earlier this season amidst his franchise record-setting point streak.

“Sometimes, when you get confidence, this is just how you play,” said Hertl earlier this season. “Like, at the end of the season, when you come to a new team, [getting over an] injury, but then you find your spot in the lineup. Over the last month, I feel more comfortable in the system, and I’ve got more confidence. When you have confidence, everything is better. You move better, and your hands are going. I’m feeling pretty good now.”

Hertl, who has missed the past eight games due to an upper-body injury, is crucial to the Golden Knights’ success. His 14 power play goals lead the team, and he’s second on the team in goals with 31. Despite his offensive prowess, Hertl is a team-first player.

“It’s nice to get points and score some goals for the team, but I’m always looking for more team points… I want to keep going the best I can, but I want two points for the team every night.”

Every player nominated for the Masterton Trophy is deserving in their own way. Tomáš Hertl is no exception.

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