After a bitter playoff exit at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers, the Vegas Golden Knights are wasting no time reshaping their roster, and the NHL world is watching closely. Known for being bold and aggressive in the market, Vegas appears ready to pull off another significant move this offseason.
And this time, it might involve clearing the deck for a major free agent splash, possibly targeting Mitch Marner. The future of star forward Tomas Hertl, whose name has suddenly surfaced in trade talks, could play a big part in that.
Vegas Golden Knights Could Trade Tomas Hertl to Free Cap Space for Mitch Marner Pursuit
The Golden Knights have built their reputation on aggressive, headline-making moves. From Jack Eichel to Alex Pietrangelo, Vegas has never been shy about going big to improve its roster.
After a disappointing Round 2 loss to Edmonton in just five games, the team looks ready to shake things up again. This time, it’s all about cap space, and the big name in focus appears to be Marner.
With Marner becoming one of the most talked-about unrestricted free agents heading into the 2025 offseason, Vegas seems interested in adding the Toronto Maple Leafs star to their already dangerous roster. But with limited cap room, a bold move must be made first. That’s where Hertl enters the conversation.
Hertl, a skilled forward acquired from the San Jose Sharks and currently under contract through 2027-28 with a cap hit of just over $8 million, has become a trade candidate. Recent reports linked him to the Carolina Hurricanes, but Marc D’Amico of RG Media quickly cooled that rumor. He said that while talks are happening, Carolina might not be the final destination.
“May be a little bit of a snag, but Vegas is indeed in talks for a potential Hertl trade. The idea is to make cap space for a run at Marner… and then some,” D’Amico noted.
He stated, “Getting some pushback on the Canes being the destination at this time, so pour some cold water on that one. However, being told that the trade talks re: Tomas Hertl are ongoing as Vegas looks to free up space to take a run at Marner.”
May be a little bit of a snag, but Vegas is indeed in talks for a potential Hertl trade.
The idea is to make cap space for a run at Marner… and then some.
— Marco D’Amico (@mndamico) June 24, 2025
The Knights are exploring multiple paths forward. Trading Hertl could open up significant salary cap room, enough to position them as a serious contender for Marner’s signature. Given that Hertl has five years left on his current deal, which he originally signed with San Jose for $65.1 million, this move wouldn’t come lightly. Still, the chance to land a player of Marner’s caliber might be worth the cost.
With free agency just around the corner, all eyes will be on Vegas. Whether moving Hertl or orchestrating another blockbuster, the Golden Knights seem poised to retake center stage in the NHL’s offseason drama.
