Carter Hart could be back in NHL action sooner than fans think

Goalie Carter Hart is no stranger to headlines, and the latest report from Elliotte Friedman in his 32 Thoughts column on Sportsnet has fans talking once again.

With Vegas Golden Knights netminder Adin Hill expected to miss several months due to injury, the door is opening wide for Hart to make his return to the NHL.

“After that, there are questions, especially since word is Adin Hill is out a few months,” Friedman noted, highlighting the opportunity for Hart to step in.

While Hart is currently on a professional tryout (PTO) with Vegas and isn’t eligible to play in NHL games until December 1, talks are already underway for a short-term deal. Sources suggest the contract could be worth around $2 million per season, giving Hart a chance to reestablish himself in the league. If all goes according to plan, he could be back on the ice as soon as he’s eligible, even though he hasn’t played an NHL game in nearly two full years.

For context, Hart was selected in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers and spent six seasons in Philadelphia before parting ways in January 2024. His departure came amid legal proceedings stemming from a 2018 incident in London, Ontario, which he faced alongside several other players. All five were acquitted earlier this summer by Justice Maria Carroccia, clearing the way for Hart to refocus on hockey.

Now, with Hill sidelined and the Golden Knights needing stability in net, things are expected to move quickly for Hart.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the goalie looks to make a fresh start and potentially prove he still belongs among the NHL’s top netminders.

That said, a return could come with its own challenges. If Hart steps back into NHL action immediately and with a high salary, he’s likely to face backlash from some fans still critical of his past.