Elliotte Friedman Delivers Crushing Update on Tomas Hertl After Nasty Cheap Shot

There have been few players in the NHL hotter than Tomas Hertl over the past few weeks, as he has tallied two hat-tricks in March along with 13 points in 11 games played this month.

Unfortunately, in the Golden Knights latest clash with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday evening, Hertl was cheap shotted from behind in brutal fashion as he would leave the game after going crashing into the boards in a play that sparked plenty of anger from Vegas.

Things don't look much better a day later either, as top NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman offered this update on Monday on the status of the Golden Knights veteran forward.

Friedman confirmed that thankfully it wasn't a head injury to Hertl that took him out of the game but rather a shoulder injury, but unfortunately that doesn't bode well for a potential return in the coming weeks, with many fearing he may miss significant time in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

With William Karlsson out, Hertl has provided crucial depth down the middle behind Jack Eichel, but if he is to miss time, Karlsson will move to the 2C spot, with many questions at the spot if he remains out.

We will continue to provide updates on Hertl's status as the Golden Knights reveal more, but for now, fans will have their fingers crossed that the veteran is only out for a little while and can return for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.