Goaltender Carter Hart is set to join the Vegas Golden Knights next week as his NHL suspension concludes. This development follows the NHL’s announcement of reinstating players acquitted of sexual assault charges related to a 2018 incident.
Carter Hart’s Return to the NHL
Hart, along with four other players, was found not guilty during a high-profile trial in London, Ontario. The NHL announced that these players would be allowed to resume their careers starting December 1. Hart had signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the Golden Knights in October 2023.
AHL Conditioning Stint
For the past month, Hart has been with the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights, playing in two games. He is expected to return to the NHL right after his suspension ends. Chris Johnston, an NHL insider, confirmed that Hart has been practicing regularly and is ready to compete again.
Performance in AHL
- Game 1: 1 win, 12 saves on 14 shots.
- Game 2: 1 loss, 23 saves on 26 shots.
Golden Knights’ Goaltending Situation
The Golden Knights have been relying on goaltenders Akira Schmid and Carl Lindbom due to Adin Hill’s lower-body injury. Schmid holds a record of 9-1-3 this season, with a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.45 and a save percentage of .902. In contrast, Lindbom is struggling, sitting at 0-4-2 with a .872 save percentage and a GAA of 3.16.
Hart’s Career Overview
Prior to the charges, Hart recorded a 12-9-3 record in the 2023-24 NHL season with the Flyers. His statistics included:
- Save percentage: .906
- Goals-against average: 2.80
Overall, in 227 NHL games, Hart boasts a record of 96 wins, 93 losses, and 29 overtime losses, along with a GAA of 2.94 and a save percentage of .906. He was selected 48th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft.
Hart’s anticipated return to the Golden Knights comes at a critical time, as the team seeks to bolster their goaltending options moving forward.
