Career Timeline of Tomáš Hertl: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 13, 2026

How Tomáš Hertl built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Tomáš Hertl is a Czech professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL. Drafted 17th overall by the San Jose Sharks in 2012, he played for them for 11 seasons. Before joining the NHL, Hertl played in the Czech Extraliga (ELH) for HC Slavia Praha. He is a well-known player with a reputation for offensive skill and versatility.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2004: First European player drafted

In 2004, Lukáš Kašpar was drafted and became the first European player drafted with the Sharks' top pick, until Tomáš Hertl was drafted.

2009: Started playing career with HC Slavia Praha

In 2009, Tomáš Hertl began his playing career with HC Slavia Praha in the Czech Extraliga, playing on the U18 and U20 squads. He was the third-highest scorer on the U20 team, scoring 12 goals and 26 assists. On the under-18 team, Hertl scored 13 goals and 10 assists.

2011: Joined Czech Republic at IIHF World U18 Championships

In 2011, Tomáš Hertl joined the Czech Republic at the IIHF World U18 Championships, scoring one goal, as the team finished eighth.

2011: Scored 40+ points

In 2011, Tomáš Hertl was among four players on the U20 team with 40+ points, scoring 14 goals and 27 assists for HC Slavia Praha.

2012: Participated in World Junior Ice Hockey Championships

In 2012, Tomáš Hertl participated in the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships for the Czechs, scoring three goals and two assists, with the team finishing fifth.

2012: Drafted by San Jose Sharks

In 2012, Tomáš Hertl was drafted by the San Jose Sharks with the 17th overall pick. After being drafted, Hertl rejoined Slavia.

2012: Drafted 17th overall by San Jose Sharks

In 2012, Tomáš Hertl was selected 17th overall in the NHL entry draft by the San Jose Sharks. Prior to being drafted, Hertl played for HC Slavia Praha of the Czech Extraliga (ELH).

2012: Ranked highly among European skaters

In 2012, before the NHL entry draft, the NHL Central Scouting Bureau ranked Tomáš Hertl fifth among European skaters. Various scouts and publications also ranked him highly as a prospect.

June 2013: Signed with the Sharks

On June 3, 2013, Tomáš Hertl officially signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks.

October 2013: NHL Debut and first goals

In October 2013, Tomáš Hertl made his NHL debut against the Vancouver Canucks on October 3rd, and tallied his first career point. On October 5th, he scored his first two NHL goals against the Phoenix Coyotes. On October 8th, Hertl registered 4 goals against the New York Rangers. He was named the October Rookie of the Month.

2013: Played in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships

In 2013, Tomáš Hertl played in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships for the Czech Republic team, in which the team finished fifth.

April 2014: Return from injury and first playoff goal

In April 2014, Tomáš Hertl was cleared to return to the Sharks against the Colorado Avalanche on April 11th, after recovering from a knee injury. On April 17th, he scored his first career playoff goal against the Kings.

2015: Returned to Czech team for IIHF World Championship

In 2015, Tomáš Hertl returned to the Czech team for the IIHF World Championship.

June 2016: Signed two-year contract extension

On June 29, 2016, Tomáš Hertl agreed to a two-year, $6 million contract extension with the Sharks.

2016: Selected for the World Cup

In 2016, Tomáš Hertl was selected to play for the Czech Republic in the World Cup.

July 2018: Signed four-year contract extension

On July 2, 2018, Tomáš Hertl signed a four-year contract extension with the Sharks.

2019: Stanley Cup Playoffs

During the 2018–19 season, Tomáš Hertl posted 74 points in 77 games as the Sharks advanced to the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Sharks faced off against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round and in Game 6, Hertl scored a short-handed goal in double overtime to force a Game 7.

January 2020: Participated in NHL All-Star Game

In January 2020, Tomáš Hertl participated in the 2020 National Hockey League All-Star Game as an alternate. He also became the first Sharks player to score four goals in an All-Star Game. He later suffered season-ending tears to the ACL and MCL on January 29th.