Carter Hart Signs Two-Year, $4 Million Contract with Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights have made one of the most discussed roster moves of the 2025 offseason by signing goaltender Carter Hart to a two-year contract worth $4 million. The deal, which carries an average annual value of $2 million, represents a significant fresh start for the 27-year-old netminder who spent his first six NHL seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers. Hart’s return to professional hockey marks a new chapter following legal proceedings that kept him away from the ice, and the Golden Knights are betting on his ability to recapture the form that once made him one of the league’s most promising young goalies.

The signing comes after Hart joined Vegas on a professional tryout agreement, providing both the organization and the player an opportunity to evaluate whether a longer-term partnership made sense. With Adin Hill and Akira Schmid currently serving as the team’s goaltending tandem, Hart’s addition creates a three-goalie depth chart that provides the Golden Knights with flexibility and insurance heading into the second half of the season. However, Hart will not be available immediately, as NHL regulations require him to complete a reinstatement process that extends until December 1st.

Understanding the Carter Hart contract with Vegas Golden Knights structure

The financial terms of the Carter Hart contract with Vegas Golden Knights reflect both the goaltender’s past accomplishments and the unique circumstances surrounding his return to the NHL. At $2 million per season over two years, the deal positions Hart as a backup or 1B option rather than a franchise starter. This represents a significant decrease from his previous contract with Philadelphia, where he carried a cap hit of nearly $4 million annually. The structure suggests that Vegas views Hart as a high-upside reclamation project who could provide excellent value if he returns to his previous form.

From a salary cap perspective, the $2 million annual hit gives the Golden Knights considerable financial flexibility. The team can carry Hart’s contract without compromising their ability to manage other roster needs, particularly given that starting goalie Adin Hill carries a $4.9 million cap hit through the 2026-27 season. Should Hart prove himself during the latter portion of this season and into next year, he could position himself for a more lucrative contract in 2027 when he becomes a free agent again. The two-year term also provides both sides with a relatively short commitment, allowing for reassessment after the 2026-27 campaign.

The contract includes full guaranteed money totaling $4 million, meaning Hart will receive the entire amount regardless of performance or assignment. This guarantee was likely necessary to secure Hart’s signature, as he needed assurance that his comeback attempt would be financially secure. For a player who has been away from competitive hockey and faces the challenge of proving himself once again at the NHL level, the guaranteed money removes at least one source of pressure as he works to rebuild his career.

Hart becomes the first of five players from Canada’s 2018 World Junior Championship team to sign an NHL contract following their acquittal on sexual assault charges earlier this year. The others—Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton—remain unsigned as they navigate their own paths back to professional hockey. Hart’s signing demonstrates that NHL teams are willing to provide second chances, though the process has been deliberate and measured.

Carter Hart’s career performance with the Philadelphia Flyers

During his six seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, Carter Hart established himself as a capable NHL goaltender with flashes of brilliance, compiling a career record of 96-93-29 across 227 games. His overall statistics include a 2.94 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage—numbers that place him in the middle tier of NHL netminders. While these figures don’t scream elite performance, they must be contextualized within the Flyers’ broader struggles during Hart’s tenure, as Philadelphia frequently fielded teams with defensive deficiencies that exposed their goaltenders to high-quality scoring chances.

Hart’s best season came during the 2019-20 campaign when he posted a 24-13-3 record with a 2.42 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage. That performance at age 21 suggested Hart was on the path to becoming a franchise goaltender, and the Flyers rewarded him with a three-year contract extension worth nearly $12 million. He became the first goalie in Flyers history to win four straight starts before turning 21, achieving this milestone during an eight-game winning streak that stretched from mid-January through early February 2020.

However, Hart struggled to maintain that level of excellence consistently. His 2023-24 season, which would be his last with Philadelphia, saw him finish with a 12-9-3 record but a 3.19 goals-against average and an .890 save percentage over 25 appearances. These declining numbers, combined with the off-ice situation that would soon unfold, marked a low point in his career. The Flyers, who had once viewed Hart as their goaltender of the future, found themselves in a position where moving on became the most viable option for both parties.

The potential for Hart to rebound remains significant, particularly given his age and the fact that goaltenders often develop at different rates than skaters. At 27, Hart is entering what should be the prime years of his career, and a change of scenery could provide the reset he needs. The Golden Knights have shown an ability to get strong performances from goaltenders who arrive with something to prove—their organizational culture and defensive structure have historically supported netminders in maximizing their potential.

Throughout his time in Philadelphia, Hart recorded six shutouts and faced an average of 30.2 shots per game, demonstrating his workload capacity. His save percentage in high-danger situations varied year to year, but during his peak seasons, he showed the ability to make the game-changing stops that distinguish starting goaltenders from backups. Whether he can recapture that form in Vegas remains the central question surrounding this signing.

How the Carter Hart contract with Vegas Golden Knights impacts the goalie depth chart

The addition of Carter Hart creates an intriguing three-goalie situation for the Vegas Golden Knights, with Adin Hill currently holding the starting position and Akira Schmid serving as his backup. Hill, who played a crucial role in Vegas’s 2023 Stanley Cup championship run, has established himself as a reliable starter when healthy, though he has dealt with injury concerns throughout his career. Schmid, acquired from New Jersey, brings experience as a former starter and provides solid insurance should Hill face any health issues.

Hart’s arrival positions him as the third-string option initially, but the dynamics could shift quickly depending on performance and circumstances. Once Hart becomes eligible to play on December 1st, the Golden Knights will need to make roster decisions about how to manage their goaltending situation. The most likely scenario involves Hart starting in the American Hockey League with the Henderson Silver Knights to get game action and rebuild his conditioning after the extended layoff. This approach would allow Vegas to carry two NHL goaltenders while Hart works his way back into form.

Should Hart demonstrate that he’s ready for NHL action, the Golden Knights could find themselves with a valuable trade chip. Teams frequently seek goaltending upgrades as the trade deadline approaches, and a goaltender performing well on a reasonable contract becomes an attractive asset. Alternatively, if either Hill or Schmid struggles or faces injury, Hart could be recalled to provide immediate NHL-level depth. This flexibility represents one of the primary reasons Vegas was willing to make the investment in Hart despite already having two goaltenders under contract.

The organizational depth Hart provides also protects Vegas against the unpredictability that defines goaltending. Even the most reliable netminders can experience slumps or injuries, and having three legitimate NHL-caliber goalies within the organization insulates the team against catastrophic performance drops. For a franchise with Stanley Cup aspirations, this insurance policy carries significant value, especially given Hart’s relatively modest cap hit.

Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, the final year of Hart’s contract, the goaltending situation could look dramatically different. Hill’s contract extends through that season, but Schmid becomes a restricted free agent in 2026. If Hart proves himself during this season and next, he could compete for the backup role or even challenge for the starting position should circumstances align. The competition within the organization should elevate everyone’s performance, creating the kind of internal pressure that drives excellence.

The reinstatement process and timeline for Carter Hart’s debut with Vegas

The most immediate obstacle facing Carter Hart is the NHL’s reinstatement process, which prevents him from appearing in games until December 1st, 2025. This timeline applies to all five players who were acquitted in the high-profile legal case, representing the league’s effort to conduct its own investigation and determine appropriate conditions for their return to play. The NHL initiated its review in 2022 when allegations first surfaced, and the process has continued even after the criminal trial concluded with acquittals.

During this period, Hart can practice with the team, travel with the Golden Knights, and participate in all team activities except actual game competition. This arrangement allows him to work on conditioning, integrate himself into the team’s systems, and build chemistry with coaches and teammates. For a player who hasn’t appeared in an NHL game since January 2024, this practice time will be invaluable in preparing for his return to competitive action. The Golden Knights’ coaching staff will have nearly six weeks to evaluate Hart’s readiness before he becomes eligible to play.

The reinstatement process has drawn both criticism and understanding from various corners of the hockey world. Critics argue that players who were acquitted in criminal proceedings should not face additional punishment or restrictions from their employer. Others contend that the NHL has a responsibility to conduct its own investigation independent of the criminal justice system, particularly given the serious nature of the allegations. The league has maintained that its process ensures that all relevant facts are considered and that appropriate standards of conduct are upheld.

Once December 1st arrives, the Golden Knights will need to decide whether Hart is ready for immediate NHL action or if he requires time in the AHL to regain game conditioning. Most analysts expect Hart to begin his Vegas tenure with the Henderson Silver Knights, where he can play meaningful minutes without the intense scrutiny that would accompany NHL appearances. This approach would also allow the organization to maintain roster flexibility while Hart proves he’s ready for the top level.

The timeline also means that Hart will miss approximately the first quarter of the NHL season, during which the Golden Knights will rely exclusively on Hill and Schmid. By the time Hart becomes eligible, the team will have a clearer picture of their goaltending performance and needs. If both Hill and Schmid are playing well, there’s no urgency to rush Hart into action. Conversely, if either struggles, Hart’s availability could provide a timely solution. The December 1st date essentially creates a built-in evaluation period that benefits all parties involved.

Philadelphia’s decision to move on and Hart’s need for a fresh start

The Philadelphia Flyers’ decision to rule out bringing back Carter Hart represented a mutual acknowledgment that both player and organization needed to move in different directions. General manager Danny Briere confirmed that Hart’s camp communicated a desire for a fresh start, suggesting that the goaltender recognized the difficulty of returning to an environment where he had experienced both success and disappointment. The Flyers, meanwhile, had already begun restructuring their goaltending situation, committing to Samuel Ersson as their starter and bringing in other options to compete for the backup role.

The relationship between Hart and the Flyers fanbase had become complicated during his final seasons in Philadelphia. While he enjoyed strong support during his early years, mounting losses and inconsistent play gradually eroded that goodwill. When news of the allegations emerged, it created an additional layer of complexity that would have accompanied his presence in Philadelphia.

From an organizational perspective, the Flyers had little choice but to move forward without Hart. His absence had forced them to develop other options, and by the time he was cleared to return, those alternatives had established themselves within the team’s plans. Additionally, the Flyers are in the midst of a rebuilding process under Briere’s leadership, and adding Hart back into the mix would have created unnecessary complications for a team trying to establish new identity and culture. Sometimes the cleanest path forward involves a complete break, allowing both parties to pursue their goals independently.

Vegas offered Hart several advantages that made it an ideal landing spot for his comeback attempt. The Golden Knights are a Stanley Cup contender with strong organizational infrastructure, a winning culture, and a fan base without any history with Hart. The team’s track record of successfully integrating players seeking second chances made them a natural fit for someone looking to rebuild his career. Additionally, the Las Vegas market, while passionate about hockey, doesn’t carry the same intensity and media scrutiny as traditional hockey markets like Philadelphia, potentially allowing Hart to focus on his game without constant distractions.

The fresh start also provides Hart with an opportunity to redefine his narrative. Rather than being remembered solely as the Flyers goalie who couldn’t lead them back to contention, he can work to become known as a key contributor to a championship-caliber team. Success in Vegas would reshape his career arc entirely, transforming him from a cautionary tale into a redemption story. That possibility, combined with the financial security of his new contract, gives Hart every incentive to make the most of this second chance.

What the signing means for Vegas’s championship aspirations

The Carter Hart contract with Vegas Golden Knights signing represents a calculated gamble that could significantly impact the team’s championship window. While Hill and Schmid provide solid options, neither has established themselves as a consistent elite starter over multiple seasons. Hill’s heroics during the 2023 playoff run remain his defining achievement, but he has yet to prove he can sustain that level over a full 82-game season. Schmid showed promise in New Jersey but struggled at times and found himself traded to Vegas as the Devils sought upgrades. Adding Hart to this mix creates competition and depth that could prove decisive in the grueling Stanley Cup chase.

Goaltending often determines playoff success, and having three legitimate options provides Vegas with insurance against the position’s inherent volatility. The Golden Knights need only look at recent playoff history to understand this reality—numerous contenders have seen their seasons end because their starting goalie struggled or got injured at the wrong time. By investing in Hart, even at the modest price of $2 million annually, Vegas has protected itself against that scenario. If any of their three goalies gets hot at the right moment, the team’s offensive firepower and defensive structure give them a legitimate chance to compete for the Stanley Cup.

The signing also signals Vegas’s commitment to maximizing their current championship window. With core players like Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and others in their prime years, the Golden Knights understand that their window for winning another championship won’t remain open indefinitely. Making moves to strengthen organizational depth—even in positions where they already have adequate options—demonstrates the aggressive approach that has defined Vegas’s organizational philosophy since entering the league. Teams that consistently contend for championships rarely settle for “good enough” when opportunities to improve present themselves.

Hart’s presence could also elevate the performance of Hill and Schmid through internal competition. Knowing that a former NHL starter with significant upside is waiting in the wings could motivate both current netminders to maintain peak performance levels. This competitive dynamic often brings out the best in athletes, particularly in a position like goaltending where confidence and rhythm are so critical to success. If all three goalies push each other to excel, Vegas benefits regardless of which one ultimately claims the starting role during crucial stretches.

Looking beyond this season, Hart’s contract gives Vegas flexibility in how they construct their roster going forward. If he proves himself, he becomes either a valuable starter on a team-friendly deal or a trade asset that could bring back significant returns. If he struggles, the two-year commitment isn’t long enough to hamstring the organization’s future plans. This kind of risk-reward calculation exemplifies smart roster management, particularly for a team operating near the salary cap ceiling. The Golden Knights have positioned themselves to win now while maintaining options for the future—precisely the balance championship contenders must strike.

The Vegas Golden Knights’ signing of Carter Hart to a two-year, $4 million contract represents one of the NHL’s most intriguing storylines as the 2025-26 season unfolds. For Hart, it’s an opportunity to resurrect his career at age 27 with a championship-caliber organization that provides everything he needs to succeed. For Vegas, it’s a low-risk investment in a high-upside player who could solve goaltending questions or become a valuable trade asset. The December 1st eligibility date looms as the first milestone, after which Hart can begin proving that he deserves to be back in the NHL.

The broader implications extend beyond just one player and one team. Hart’s signing as the first of the five acquitted players to land an NHL contract sets a precedent that will influence how teams approach similar situations in the future. It demonstrates that the league remains open to second chances while also acknowledging the complexity of these circumstances through its reinstatement process. How Hart performs over the next two years could shape not only his own future but also the opportunities available to the other players seeking to resume their careers. For now, all eyes will be on Vegas when Hart finally takes the ice, ready to begin the next chapter of his hockey journey.