Carter Hart Signs with Golden Knights Following Acquittal
After a judge determined that Carter Hart and four other Canadian hockey players were not guilty of sexual assault, the former Flyers goaltender is set to join the Golden Knights and make his return to the NHL.
Hart has signed a paid tryout contract with Vegas, which is expected to transition into a full NHL contract. Reports from ESPN confirm this development.
“It’s been quite a journey to reach this stage and get back to the sport I love,” Hart, 27, shared as he skated with the Golden Knights in preparation for a game against the Bruins in Las Vegas.
He is the first of five members from Team Canada’s World Junior team to come back to the NHL following an incident related to an alleged assault connected to a 2018 Hockey Canada event.
The woman involved claimed she had been assaulted after consensually agreeing to have sex with Michael McLeod in a hotel room.
Hart, along with McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton, faces criminal charges due to surface in 2024. A ruling by Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia in July stated that the prosecution had not met its burden of proof, citing unreliable evidence against the players.
Reflecting on his time away from the game, Hart noted, “I’ve spent a year and a half out of the rink. I’ve learned a lot and have grown so much. I’m really looking forward to what’s next.” He expressed enthusiasm about the community in Las Vegas, mentioning how he met many people and is eager to showcase who he truly is on the ice.
However, Hart won’t be eligible to start an NHL game until December 1. Starting November 15, he will play with the Golden Knights’ AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights.
The Golden Knights have faced some goaltending challenges already this season. Adin Hill recently sustained a lower-body injury during a match against the Flames. Akira Schmidt is slated to start against the Knights on Thursday, with Hill in reserve.
Mark Stone, the captain of the Golden Knights, expressed his excitement regarding Hart’s addition, saying the team is looking forward to having him onboard. Jack Eichel echoed those sentiments, also highlighting the team’s strong culture. Coach Bruce Cassidy affirmed expectations of Hart to uphold the team’s standards just like the rest of the players.
