The Carter Hart era has officially begun for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Unofficially, the era began months ago. Rumors connected the goaltender to Vegas from the moment he was acquitted. On the day that Hart was eligible to sign with an NHL team, the Golden Knights released a statement announcing that he’d be joining the organization.
He technically joined the organization on a tryout. However, the Golden Knights signed Hart to a contract a little over a week later, when an injury gave them the cap space to do so.
After joining the organization, Hart began skating and practicing with the team as the third goaltender.
This continued until November 15th, when he became eligible for an AHL conditioning stint. Hart made his first start with the Henderson Silver Knights on November 16th, 665 days after his last professional game.
“It felt great, just to be playing a competitive game of hockey again,” said Hart after his first start. “It’s been a long time. It felt good just to be out there, competing.”
Hart started three games with the Silver Knights. After winning his first start, he finished his AHL conditioning stint with a record of 1-2-0 and an .839 average save percentage.
Now, his conditioning stint is over. On Sunday, the Golden Knights recalled Hart from Henderson and reassigned Carl Lindbom to the AHL.
Hart is eligible to resume his NHL career on December 1st. However, the Golden Knights don’t play until December 2nd. Hart is expected to make his first NHL start since January 20th, 2024, on Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.