Carter Hart publicly comments on Canadian politics in the middle of Stanley Cup playoffs.

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart has been through a lot over the last few years and has seen his name dragged through the mud in the process, and you have to wonder if that hasn't equipped the National Hockey League netminder with a rather think skin.

An Over Political Message

It is perhaps for that reason that Hart felt comfortable making himself a lightning rod for criticism earlier this week when he was photographed wearing a t-shirt with an overt political message attached to it. The shirt featured the "Free Alberta" slogan, a slogan associated with a separatist movement that seeks Alberta independence from Canada.

Whether or not you agree with the message being broadcast by Hart doesn't really matter, as we all know in this politically charged climate that a message of this nature will stir up controversy on one side of the political spectrum or the other.

No Stranger to Controversy

While the timing may not be ideal for the Vegas Golden Knights who are now headed to the Stanley Cup Final and will want to avoid any and all possible distractions, I have to believe that Hart will be completely unphased by whatever response he gets from fans as a result of this latest controversy.

Hart has been hounded by angry fans who feel he should not have been given another chance to play in the NHL all season long and has had some truly vitriolic comments directed at him in the process. Whatever response he gets as a result of his political message will likely pale in comparison to what he has heard already.

Was it selfish of Hart to make a statement of this type with his team in the middle of such an important playoff run? Or should he be free to support whatever causes he chooses while off the ice? Let me know your thoughts on this one in the comments.