LAS VEGAS — Vegas Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl registered his 500th career point when he got the lead assist on Pavel Dorofeyev’s goal in the second period of Saturday night’s home game against Utah.
Hertl, who was acquired by Vegas in a trade with the San Jose Sharks in March, fired the puck through the slot to Dorofeyev, who one-timed a laser past Utah goalie Connor Ingram.
In 18 games as a Golden Knight, the 30-year-old from the Czech Republic has 16 points, with six goals and 10 assists.
Hertl, who was selected 17th overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by San Jose, becomes the 554th player in league history to record 500 points in a career.
With 12 points in 12 games, he’s on pace for an 82-point season, which would be a career-high. His previous high was 74 points during the 2018-19 season while still playing with the Sharks.
“For me, it’s just a matter of win hockey games,” Hertl said recently. “I’m here to win the game, doesn’t matter how. I help the team what I can do.”
Hertl’s continued to have a positive influence on the Knights, lending invaluable experience to the younger players on the roster.
“He’s an easy guy to play with, he’s very supportive out there,” said Alexander Holtz, 22. I feel like this is awesome to play with a player with that experience. I can learn a lot from him out there early in my career. It’s very beneficial for me to play with a guy like him.”