Tomas Hertl will be absent from the Vegas Golden Knights lineup for an undetermined period. The forward did not accompany the team on their three-game road trip and is currently being evaluated to ascertain the extent of his injury, as confirmed by General Manager Kelly McCrimmon on the VGK Insiders show on Monday.
McCrimmon stated that Hertl is undergoing tests to determine the exact nature of the injury. These tests are being conducted over two days to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Hertl sustained the injury in the late stages of Sunday`s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was forcefully checked into the boards by Emil Lilleberg following a breakaway attempt. Hertl was removed from the game and did not return. Lilleberg received a minor penalty for boarding on the play.
McCrimmon expressed his disagreement with the minor penalty call, stating his primary concern was for Hertl`s health. He referenced rule changes that allow officials to review major penalties and adjust them, but in this instance, the call was reduced to a minor, which McCrimmon questioned.
Head coach Bruce Cassidy described the hit as `senseless` after the game, highlighting that Hertl was performing at his peak.
The 31-year-old has been a significant contributor this season with 30 goals and 28 assists in 68 games, including four goals in his last two appearances.
Vegas acquired Hertl from the San Jose Sharks in a significant trade at the previous NHL trade deadline.
In positive developments, defenseman Shea Theodore has traveled with the team and is anticipated to rejoin the lineup before the team returns home. Theodore, 29, has been out of action since sustaining an injury during Canada`s opening game of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
