Carter Hart has returned to the ice, giving the Vegas Golden Knights a major boost in goaltending depth as he works his way back from injury following his acquittal in the Hockey Canada case.
The Vegas Golden Knights could soon get an important boost in goal.
Head coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed Friday that goaltender Carter Hart has returned to the ice as he continues working his way back from the injury that has kept him sidelined since Jan. 8. While Hart is not expected to jump immediately back into game action, the development represents a significant step forward in his recovery and a positive sign for a team that has dealt with its share of injuries this season.
Hart's Skating Again
Hart’s return to practice activity is especially encouraging for a Vegas team that has leaned heavily on its goaltending depth in recent weeks. With Hart unavailable, the Golden Knights have relied on Adin Hill and Akira Schmid to handle the workload in net.
Adding Hart back into the rotation would give Vegas additional flexibility in managing minutes down the stretch. Even if he initially returns in a limited role, his presence would allow the coaching staff to balance the goaltending workload more effectively during the final push of the regular season.
The timing could prove valuable. Vegas has already begun getting key skaters back from injury, including captain Mark Stone and defensemen Brayden McNabb and Shea Theodore, helping restore the lineup’s structure on both ends of the ice.
As the roster gradually returns to full health, Hart’s progress adds another encouraging development for the Golden Knights. His eventual return would deepen the team’s options in goal and provide another piece of stability as Vegas prepares for the final stretch of the season.
Hart was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2016 and spent six seasons with the organization before being placed on an indefinite leave of absence in January 2025.
His absence came amid revelations that Hockey Canada had paid a settlement to a woman who alleged she was assaulted by members of the 2018 national junior team. Hart, along with four other former teammates, faced criminal charges related to the allegations; all pleaded not guilty.
After a two-month trial earlier this year, a judge acquitted all five players.
Following the acquittal, the Golden Knights moved quickly to sign Hart, bringing him into their goaltending rotation.
Hart's Been Bad
Through 12 starts this season, Hart has posted career-worst totals. His record stands at 5-3-3 with a 3.28 goals against average and a .871 save percentage.
