The Vegas Golden Knights announced that goalie Carter Hart was joining the team.
Hart was one of five members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior Team recently acquitted of sexual assault charges. The goalie was suspended by the NHL until Dec. 1, but was able to sign with a team starting Wednesday while waiting for reinstatement.
Once he was eligible to sign, Hart agreed to a tryout that is expected to be converted to a two-year deal with the Golden Knights.
“Just want to say a few things first,” Hart said to reporters on Thursday. “I’m beyond grateful, excited, and honored to be a part of the Golden Knights. Got a great skate today with a few guys. 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. I’ve been out of the game for a year and a half now. I’ve learned a lot, I’ve grown a lot. And I’m just excited to move forward.
“I’ve heard nothing but great things about the city, the community, the fanbase, the organization. I got to meet a lot of people here today,” Hart added. “I’m so excited to get the chance to play in front of them and for them, and just get to show the community my true character and who I really am and what I’m about. I got to meet some guys today, everybody has been very welcoming, and I’m looking forward to getting things rolling, getting to work alongside these guys, and continuing to build on the championship culture here in Las Vegas.”
Hart played parts of six seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers. He had a 96-93-29 record with a 2.94 GAA and a .906 SV%.
Golden Knights Issue Statement on Hart
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Although Hart agreed to a PTO, the tryout will be converted to a two-year deal.
Following Vegas agreeing to terms with Hart, the team issued a statement on the matter.
“Following the reinstatement decision agreed on by the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association, goaltender Carter Hart will be joining the Vegas Golden Knights organization,” the team said in a statement. “The Golden Knights are aligned with the process and assessment the NHL and NHLPA made in their decision. 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.”
Hart was selected in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft by the Flyers. He last played in the NHL on January 20, 2024.
Adin Hill Dealing With an Injury
The Golden Knights’ move comes after an injury to starting goalie Adin Hill.
Hill suffered an injury in Vegas’ 4-2 road win over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. Following the game, Golden Knights coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed Hill is out with an injury.
“(Adin Hill) has a lower-body injury. I don’t know how serious it’ll be,” Cassidy said.
However, Hart isn’t eligible to play in the NHL until December 1. So, with Hill out, Akira Schmid will be the starting goalie for the Golden Knights.
Carter Hart Makes First Comment Since Signing With Golden Knights