Goaltender Carter Hart, a member of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team, has officially joined the Vegas Golden Knights following his recent acquittal in a sexual assault trial. The NHL team made the announcement on Thursday, revealing that Hart has signed a professional tryout agreement, although specific terms were not disclosed but reported by various media outlets.
While Hart is currently under suspension by the NHL until December 1, he was allowed to sign with a team starting on Wednesday while awaiting reinstatement. Expressing his gratitude and excitement, Hart stated at the Golden Knights’ facility in Las Vegas that he aims to demonstrate his true character and values to the community. He emphasized his eagerness to return to the game he loves after being out for a year and a half, noting personal growth and lessons learned during his absence.
Hart, along with Michael McLeod, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton, faced charges of sexual assault stemming from an incident after a 2018 gala celebrating the Canadian world junior team’s victory. Following their acquittal on July 24 after a trial in London, Ont., Hart is the first among the five players to secure a deal with an NHL team. McLeod has signed with a team in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League, while Formenton continues his professional hockey career in Switzerland.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman commented on individual team decisions regarding the players, emphasizing the importance of complying with league rules and values. The league had previously expressed disappointment in the players’ behavior, although it was not deemed criminal. The NHL allowed the players to re-sign contracts starting October 15, with eligibility to play in NHL games not before December 1, resulting in a nearly two-year absence from the league.
Hart’s testimony at the trial was notable, as he was the lone player among the five to take the stand. He affirmed that the intimate encounter with the complainant was consensual. The 27-year-old goaltender, originally from Sherwood Park, Alta., spent six seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers before becoming an unrestricted free agent following the 2023-24 season.
Dan Mason, a sport management professor at the University of Alberta, highlighted Hart’s potential return to the NHL due to his previous performance. Mason noted the lack of media coverage and scrutiny in U.S. markets compared to Canadian ones, suggesting a smoother transition for Hart with the Golden Knights. The team, a top contender for this season’s Stanley Cup, has been rotating goaltenders between Adin Hill and Akira Schmid, with varying performances from both players.
Overall, Hart’s signing with the Golden Knights marks a significant milestone in his career, signaling a fresh start and the opportunity to showcase his skills on the ice once again.