Golden Knights Assign Carter Hart to AHL for Conditioning Loan

The Vegas Golden Knights have assigned goaltender Carter Hart to the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights for a conditioning loan, according to a team announcement. This move comes as a response to the placement of Adin Hill on injured reserve, likely retroactive to October 20, 2023. Hart’s conditioning stint marks his first return to professional play since the start of the 2023-24 NHL season.

Hart, along with four other players, faced significant scrutiny during the summer due to their involvement in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial, from which they were acquitted. Following an agreement between the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association, these players were prohibited from signing contracts until October 15, 2023, and could not return to NHL ice until December 1, 2023. Given this timeline, it is anticipated that Hart’s stint in the AHL will extend until then.

Over the past three seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, Hart has shown consistency, although his performance did not match the high standards of his initial NHL seasons. From the beginning of the 2021-22 NHL season until his suspension in the current season, he recorded a 47-56-20 record, a .906 save percentage, and a 2.99 goals-against average.

The Golden Knights remain confident in Hart’s abilities, having signed him to a two-year, $4 million contract on October 25, 2023. His return to form will be closely monitored, as it remains uncertain how he will perform upon his re-entry into competitive play.

Meanwhile, Adin Hill’s placement on injured reserve follows a nearly month-long absence due to a lower-body injury. If his recovery proceeds as expected, Hill is projected to return to the lineup within the next few weeks. He has recorded a 1-0-2 record in five games this season, with a save percentage of .888 and a goals-against average of 2.73.

As the Golden Knights navigate these roster adjustments, the focus remains on both Hart’s development during his conditioning stint and Hill’s impending return to action. The outcomes of these situations could significantly impact the team’s performance in the ongoing season.