Golden Knights recall Carter Hart from AHL ahead of 2025-26 NHL debut
A controversial figure is close to playing in the big time again.
On Sunday night, the Vegas Golden Knights called up goaltender Carter Hart from his conditioning stint with their American Hockey League affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights.
In response, the team sent netminder Carl Lindbom to the AHL.
Goalie movement in the VGK system.
Carter Hart has been recalled to VGK from his conditioning stint.
Carl Lindbom has been reassigned to the AHL.
Jordan Papirny has been reassigned to the ECHL.
Hart was one of the five members of the 2018 Canadian National Junior Team who were charged with sexual assault in reference to an incident in London, Ont. over seven years ago. Hart, along with Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Michael McLeod, was found not guilty.
The 27-year-old was the first, and so far only, player charged to have re-signed in the NHL, signing a two-year contract with the Golden Knights the day after the five were eligible to sign contracts with teams in the league. The deal has an AAV of $2 million through the 2026-27 season. It came right before Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill went down with a lower-body injury, which has kept him out long-term.
Hart was unable to play with Vegas before Dec. 1, using the time in Henderson to refine his game. In three games with the Silver Knights, he was mediocre at best, giving up three goals twice. He went 1-2-0, with a 3.07 goals-against average and a .839 save percentage.
There’s speculation that Hart might get a start as soon as Tuesday night, when Vegas hosts Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks. The Sherwood Park, Alb. native hasn’t played an NHL game since Jan. 20, 2024, while a member of the Philadelphia Flyers. In his six seasons with the Flyers, he posted a record of 96-93-29, with a 2.94 GAA, a .906 SV% and six shutouts. He helped lead Philly to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2020, the franchise’s latest postseason appearance