Carter Hart is poised to make his debut with the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks. This marks a significant moment for the 27-year-old goaltender, as it will be his first NHL game in almost two years.
Hart's journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. In 2024, he, along with four other members of Canada's 2018 World Juniors team, faced charges of sexual assault. Following an eight-week trial, Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia declared all five players not guilty. Subsequently, the NHL reinstated them on September 11, making them eligible to sign new contracts.
The Golden Knights officially announced Hart's addition to the organization on a tryout basis in October. On October 24, Hart signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. The first of the five 2018 Canada world junior hockey players to land an NHL contract since they were acquitted of sexual assault in a high-profile case. According to the league's statement, Hart was eligible to sign an NHL contract no sooner than October 15 and to play in NHL games no sooner than December 1.
Prior to his NHL return, Hart gained some playing time with the Henderson Silver Knights, Vegas' AHL affiliate. He started his first game in almost two years on November 16, stopping 12 of 14 shots in a 5-2 victory over the Calgary Wranglers. He also was due to make another start Friday.
The Golden Knights' General Manager, Kelly McCrimmon, emphasized the seriousness with which the organization approached the decision to bring Hart on board. He stated that a thorough evaluation was conducted before any commitments were made, ensuring the organization felt confident in their decision.
Hart himself expressed gratitude and excitement about joining the Golden Knights. "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," he said. He also conveyed his eagerness to integrate into the team and community, aiming to showcase his true character.
Despite the acquittal, the NHL made it clear that it did not condone the behavior detailed in the case. The league expects all players to uphold the highest standards of conduct, both on and off the ice.
Hart's return to the NHL comes after spending his first six seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers. During his time there, he recorded a 96-93-29 record with a 2.94 goals-against average.
With Adin Hill recovering from a lower-body injury, the Golden Knights are looking to Hart to bolster their goaltending depth. While Akira Schmid has performed well, Hart's potential is seen as a valuable asset to the team.
As Carter Hart steps back onto the NHL ice, his debut with the Vegas Golden Knights marks not only a personal comeback but also a moment of scrutiny and anticipation from the hockey world.
