The Vegas Golden Knights have added goaltender Carter Hart to their roster. Hart, who was recently cleared of sexual assault charges stemming from the 2018 world junior hockey team incident, signed a professional tryout agreement with the NHL team. Although he remains suspended until December 1, Hart expressed his gratitude and excitement to join the Golden Knights during a press conference in Las Vegas.
Hart, along with four other players, was acquitted on July 24 after a trial in London, Ont. He is the first of the five players to secure an NHL contract, while another player has signed with a team in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League, and a third is pursuing his career in Switzerland. The NHL had previously stated that the players could re-sign contracts starting October 15, with eligibility to play in NHL games from December 1.
The Golden Knights confirmed their support for Hart, emphasizing their commitment to upholding organizational values. Hart was the sole player among the acquitted group to testify at the trial, where he stated that the encounter was consensual. The 27-year-old Alberta native previously played for the Philadelphia Flyers for six seasons before becoming a free agent.
Sport management professor Dan Mason noted that Hart’s return to the NHL was expected given his track record, with U.S.-based teams showing interest. Mason highlighted the NHL’s role in allowing the players to resume their careers, providing a level of protection for teams like the Golden Knights. The team, considered a top contender for the Stanley Cup this season, has been rotating goaltenders and will now integrate Hart into their lineup.
