Hart Signs $4 Million Deal with Golden Knights, Aims for a Fresh Start After Time Away
Jenn G. (2023, December 29). NHL game between the Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle Kraken [Photograph]. Flickr.
Written by Gina Anton
Carter Hart is officially back in the NHL. The goaltender signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday, marking a new chapter in his career after time away from the game.
Hart, formerly the starting goalie for the Philadelphia Flyers, stepped away during the 2023–24 season. Before his leave of absence on January 23, he posted a 12–9–3 record with a 2.80 goals-against average, a .906 save percentage, and one shutout in 26 appearances (25 starts).
The 26-year-old was one of five players from Canada’s 2018 World Junior Championship gold medal team accused of sexual assault related to an incident that occurred in June 2018. All five players were later found not guilty.
Following the verdict, the NHL released a statement acknowledging the outcome but emphasizing the seriousness of the situation:
“The allegations made in this case, even if not determined to have been criminal, were very disturbing, and the behavior at issue was unacceptable.”
Now, Hart says he’s focused on a fresh start in Las Vegas.
“I’ve heard nothing but great things about the city, the community, the fan base, the organization,” Hart said. “I got to meet a lot of people here today, and I’m so excited to get the chance to play in front of them and for them — to show the community my true character and who I really am.”
According to the NHL, Hart and the four other players involved — forwards Dillon Dube, Michael McLeod, and Alex Formenton, along with defenseman Cal Foote — became eligible to sign NHL contracts on October 15 and can officially return to game action starting December 1.
While Hart’s signing marks a personal and professional restart, his return — along with that of the other players involved in the 2018 investigation — also raises broader questions about how the NHL and its community move forward.
The league’s reputation has already faced scrutiny in recent years regarding its handling of off-ice conduct. Even though Hart and his former teammates were found not guilty, the case left a lasting mark on public perception. For many fans, it’s not just about the verdict, but about accountability, transparency, and the league’s culture as a whole.
For the players, reintegrating into NHL locker rooms and fan bases may be a gradual process. Public statements from current players and management have largely been supportive, emphasizing second chances and the importance of moving on. Hart’s new teammates have expressed excitement to welcome him, hoping to focus on the future rather than the past.
Still, the reception from fans and the broader hockey community may be more complicated. Online reactions have ranged from cautious optimism to open criticism. Many supporters are willing to see how Hart and others carry themselves moving forward — both on and off the ice — while others believe the league still has work to do to rebuild trust.
Ultimately, how smooth the transition will be depends not just on performance in net or on the scoresheet, but on the authenticity of their actions, community involvement, and the NHL’s ongoing commitment to upholding higher standards of conduct.
