Carter Hart: A Move That Only the Golden Knights Could Pull Off

The Vegas Golden Knights made another headline-grabbing move this week by signing controversial goaltender Carter Hart to a professional tryout. The decision is being applauded by some who believe Hart has the right to seek employment after being acquitted. It’s being criticized by others who think it’s a poor public relations move, many not concerned with the results of the case and holding Hart accountable despite what the legal system decided.

Ultimately, Vegas decided that the backlash that might come with the decision was worth it, reinforcing their reputation as a team that isn’t concerned with optics as much as they are with winning. It was baggage that the Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, and a couple of other teams decided was too much to bring aboard.

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Hart, acquitted of sexual assault allegations stemming from a 2018 Hockey Canada gala, is eligible to return to the NHL as early as Dec. 1. It’s unclear what the immediate plan for him is, but the belief is that this will turn into an official NHL signing and an opportunity for Hart to earn a multi-year extension.

Vegas Continues To Be the “Bad Boys” of the NHL

Vegas’ history suggests this is par for the course. This is a franchise that will stop at nothing to win. They’ll throw loyalty out the window for the newest and biggest prize. They’ll sign, then abandon big contracts knowing that NHL players will line up to move to Vegas or join a contender. They’ll play in the grey areas of the salary cap and use or abuse LTIR rules more than arguably any other NHL club.

As Michael Traikos of The Hockey News points out:

“This is, after all, a team that drafted Trevor Connelly in the first round in 2024. He underwent diversity training and volunteer work after posting an image on Snapchat depicting a friend posing in front of building blocks in the shape of a swastika. They also signed Kai Uchacz after he was passed up in the draft for racist actions directed toward a teammate in junior hockey, requiring education and training on anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion.”

However, as former NHL GM and President Doug MacLean explained, this is all about winning. Like the Florida Panthers — who also don’t really care how something looks if it helps the team — Vegas will make moves that other clubs won’t. They do so because their GM, Kelly McCrimmon, and their President, George McPhee, are only thinking about what helps the team earn wins.

MacLean said, “I know that the hesitancy around the kids, I get that. I get, you know, the awful thing that happened, and being acquitted… but Carter Hart to me is an unbelievable signing by Vegas. I’m sorry, but this is a signing, and let’s see if I’m right or not: this signing shows they’ll do whatever it takes. …Maybe it’s partially their market where they can do that, but I’m telling you they don’t care. It’s all about winning. This particular signing could set their goaltending up for the next eight years.”

Whether Carter Hart becomes a key piece in Vegas’ pursuit of another championship remains to be seen. What is certain is that the Golden Knights are unabashedly willing to take risks to gain an edge — controversy be damned.

Next: When Do the Oilers Reach a Breaking Point With Evan Bouchard?