Goaltender Carter Hart, one of the members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team who was recently cleared of allegations in a sexual assault case, is set to join the Vegas Golden Knights.
The NHL franchise made the announcement on Thursday without revealing specific terms, although multiple reports suggest that Hart has inked a professional tryout agreement.
While Hart is currently under suspension by the NHL until December 1, he has been permitted to sign with a team as of Wednesday while awaiting reinstatement.
Expressing his gratitude and excitement, Hart shared his sentiments at the Golden Knights’ training facility in Las Vegas. He emphasized his eagerness to demonstrate his true character and dedication to the team, highlighting the positive impact of returning to his beloved sport after a hiatus of a year and a half.
Hart, along with Michael McLeod, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton, had faced accusations of sexual assault following an incident with a woman following a 2018 celebration for the Canadian world junior team’s victory. The group was acquitted on July 24 after a trial in London, Ont.
Hart is the first among the acquitted players to secure a deal with an NHL team. While McLeod has joined a team in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League, Formenton is pursuing his professional hockey career in Switzerland.
Following the league’s assessment of the situation, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stressed that individual teams must make their own decisions regarding player signings within the established guidelines.
The Ottawa Senators’ management previously indicated that Formenton would not be reintegrated into their organization, opting for a fresh start for the player.
Acknowledging the severity of the events involving the accused players, the NHL condemned their actions as unacceptable and falling short of the league’s standards and values. However, the league allowed for the possibility of the players re-signing contracts, with eligibility to participate in NHL games commencing no earlier than December 1, after a hiatus of nearly two years.
Hart, who testified during the trial, maintained that he received consent for the act in question. His move to the Golden Knights comes after playing six seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he exhibited solid performance statistics.
Sport management expert Dan Mason noted that Hart’s professional background made it likely for him to secure a spot with an NHL team. Mason also pointed out the minimal media coverage and scrutiny in U.S. markets compared to Canadian ones, potentially influencing the recruitment process.
The Golden Knights, viewed as strong contenders for the Stanley Cup this season, have been rotating goaltending responsibilities between Adin Hill and Akira Schmid, with varying levels of performance from both players.