The Vegas Golden Knights' acquisition of goaltender Carter Hart has sparked a wave of reactions across the NHL community. The team announced on Thursday that Hart would be joining the organization on a professional tryout contract. This move comes after Hart's acquittal in a sexual assault trial stemming from an incident in 2018, when he was a member of Canada's World Junior team.
Hart, 27, last played for the Philadelphia Flyers during the 2023-24 season, posting a 12-9-3 record with a 2.80 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. He took an indefinite leave of absence from the team on January 23, 2024. Throughout his six seasons with the Flyers, Hart accumulated a 96-93-29 record, a 2.94 goals-against average, and a .906 save percentage in 227 games.
Following the announcement, the Golden Knights released a statement emphasizing their alignment with the NHL and NHLPA's decision to reinstate Hart. "The Golden Knights are aligned with the process and assessment the NHL and NHLPA made in their decision," the team stated. "We remain committed to the core values that have defined our organization from its inception and expect that our players will continue to meet these standards moving forward".
Golden Knights captain Mark Stone addressed the media, expressing his anticipation for Hart's arrival. "Good goalie," Stone said. "Looking forward to having him be one of our goaltenders... I think he's excited to join the group...Happy to have him here, happy to welcome him to our team, to our family and incorporate him into the culture that we have". He also noted that the team's front office had discussed the addition of Hart with the players beforehand.
Hart himself expressed gratitude and excitement about joining the Golden Knights. "I'm beyond grateful, excited and honored to be a part of the Golden Knights," Hart told reporters on Thursday. "It's been a long road to get back to this point, to get back to the game of hockey, the game that I love".
While Hart has signed a professional tryout contract, he remains suspended by the NHL until December 1. He became eligible to sign with a team on October 15, following the NHL and NHLPA's agreement. Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy said that Hart will be with the team, but he is unsure if Hart will be with them every day or on the road. Cassidy also stated that Hart needs to work to get back into game shape, as he hasn't played in a while. The first game Hart is eligible to play is December 2 against the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Golden Knights currently have two goalies on their roster, Adin Hill and Akira Schmid. Hill played 50 games last season with a 32-13-5 record, a 2.47 goals-against average, and a .906 save percentage, while Schmid played five games with a 2-0-1 record, a 1.26 goals-against average and a .944 save percentage.
