The Vegas Golden Knights' handling of Carter Hart's availability for their game against the Philadelphia Flyers is raising eyebrows across the NHL. Hart, who recently returned to the league after being acquitted of sexual assault charges stemming from a 2018 incident, was not made available to the media on Thursday. This decision came after the team announced he wouldn't start against his former team, the Flyers, in what would have been his first game back in Philadelphia.
Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy attributed the decision to a rotation strategy, stating the team wanted to get Akira Schmid back in net. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism, with many believing the team is trying to shield Hart from media scrutiny and potential fan backlash in Philadelphia.
Hart's journey back to the NHL has been anything but straightforward. In January 2024, he took an indefinite leave from the Philadelphia Flyers after being charged with sexual assault in connection with the 2018 Hockey Canada scandal. The Flyers subsequently allowed Hart to become a free agent. After being acquitted in July 2025, the Golden Knights signed him to a two-year, $4 million contract. The NHL ruled Hart eligible to sign a contract beginning October 15, 2025, and to play starting December 1, 2025.
The Golden Knights' decision to bring in Hart was met with mixed reactions. While some praised the organization for giving him a second chance, others criticized the move, citing the seriousness of the allegations against him.
Prior to the legal proceedings, Hart had a promising career with the Philadelphia Flyers. Drafted by the team in the second round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, he played parts of six seasons in Philadelphia. He quickly became a key figure in the team's goaltending rotation, showcasing his talent and potential as a long-term solution in net. During his time with the Flyers, Hart recorded a 2.80 goals-against average.
His absence from the Flyers was significant, and the team has since moved in a different direction. After being found not guilty in the sexual assault case in July 2025, the door opened for his return to the NHL.
Given the circumstances, it's understandable that the Golden Knights might want to manage Hart's media exposure carefully. Philadelphia is a passionate hockey market, and Hart's return was sure to be met with intense scrutiny. By limiting his availability, the team may be hoping to protect him from unnecessary distractions and allow him to focus on his game.
Whether this approach is seen as "shady" or simply savvy is a matter of perspective. Some may view it as an attempt to avoid accountability and public discussion of the past, while others may see it as a pragmatic way to support a player returning under difficult circumstances. Regardless, the Golden Knights' handling of Hart's return to Philadelphia has generated considerable discussion and debate within the hockey community.
Adding to the intrigue, Hart is currently day-to-day with a lower-body injury. He sustained the injury after playing in a 4-3 shootout win against the Chicago Blackhawks on December 2nd. He was also a full participant at practice two days later in NJ. The Golden Knights recalled Jesper Vikman from the AHL as an emergency backup.
