The Vegas Golden Knights have added goaltender Carter Hart to their roster, following his acquittal in a recent sexual assault trial. Hart, a former member of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team, signed a professional tryout agreement with the NHL team. Although currently suspended by the NHL until Dec. 1, Hart expressed his gratitude and excitement about joining the Golden Knights and returning to the game he loves after being out for a year and a half.
Hart, along with four other players, faced charges of sexual assault after an incident following a 2018 gala. However, all five players were acquitted on July 24. Hart is the first of the acquitted players to sign with an NHL team, while another player has signed with a team in Russia and another is playing in Switzerland.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman stated that each team would make its own decision regarding signing the acquitted players, emphasizing the importance of adhering to league standards and values. The NHL expressed disappointment in the players’ conduct but allowed them to re-sign contracts with the league, with eligibility to play starting from Dec. 1.
Hart, who hails from Sherwood Park, Alta., spent his first six NHL seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers before becoming a free agent. Dan Mason, a sport management professor, noted that Hart’s return to the NHL was expected given his career history. Mason also highlighted the Golden Knights’ decision to sign Hart, mentioning the NHL’s approval and the team’s adherence to league regulations.
The Golden Knights, considered strong contenders for the Stanley Cup, have been rotating goaltenders between Adin Hill and Akira Schmid this season. Hill has faced challenges with two losses and a lower save percentage, while Schmid has shown solid performance with two wins and a higher save percentage.
