Vegas Golden Knights goalie Carter Hart appeared to injure his left leg during the first period of Thursday night’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The injury occurred amid extended pressure from Columbus, who maintained puck possession. Boone Jenner scored on Hart at 8:24, giving the Blue Jackets a 1-0 lead, before Akira Schmid replaced the injured netminder.
This marks another challenge for Vegas’ goaltending tandem, already thin due to Adin Hill’s absence. Hart, who signed a two-year deal with the Knights in October, had been steady in his return to NHL action after nearly two years away. The incident highlights the unforgiving nature of NHL rules, which prevent stoppages for injuries when the opponent controls the puck.
The sequence of the injury
Columbus controlled play in the Vegas zone, pinning the Golden Knights in their own end. Hart stayed in the crease despite visible discomfort, unable to join the defense due to the rules. He seemed to tweak his left leg awkwardly during the scramble.
Boone Jenner finished the play with a goal, exploiting Hart’s limited mobility. Teammates fought valiantly, but the puck remained with Columbus. Only after the score did officials allow Hart to leave, replaced by Schmid at 8:24 of the period.
NHL regulations are clear: no whistle for an injured player if the opponent has possession, unless the injury appears gravely serious. Hart labored visibly but continued until the goal. This rule aims to prevent gamesmanship but can exacerbate injuries.
Reports from post-game notes indicate Hart couldn’t put weight on his left leg after falling awkwardly. Jesse Granger of The Athletic noted the goalie’s struggle during the extended sequence. Vegas now awaits an update on severity.
Hart’s performance and season stats
Carter Hart entered the game with a 5-3-3 record for Vegas. His goals-against average stood at 3.23, with a .874 save percentage. These numbers reflect a solid, if not spectacular, re-entry to NHL play.
His first appearance came December 2, a 4-3 win over Chicago. That marked his first big-league game in nearly two years. Hart had impressed enough to secure a roster spot post-signing.
Prior stats show promise. In his Flyers tenure, Hart posted multiple seasons above .900 save percentage. This year, adjustment to Vegas has been gradual amid high expectations.
- Record: 5 wins, 3 losses, 3 ties
- GAA: 3.23
- Save %: .874
- Games played: 11 (entering Thursday)
For deeper analysis on Carter Hart’s transition from PTO to his two-year contract with the Golden Knights, check recent coverage.
Vegas’ goaltending depth challenges
The Golden Knights were already shorthanded. Adin Hill has missed time since injuring his left leg October 20 against Carolina. Hill practiced Thursday, hinting at a potential return soon.
Akira Schmid stepped in seamlessly after Hart’s exit. Schmid, a young prospect, now faces a critical test against Columbus. Vegas recalled Jesper Vikman earlier this week as emergency depth.
If Hart misses time, options narrow. Carl Lindbom from AHL Henderson could back up, per reports on ESPN’s player profile. Hill’s status remains key for Saturday’s game against St. Louis.
Vegas signed Hart as their primary solution post-Hill injury. The two-year, $4 million pact underscores faith in his rebound. Depth issues expose the volatility of the position.
Hart’s path back to the NHL
Hart’s story adds layers. One of five 2018 Canadian world juniors acquitted of sexual assault charges in July 2025. He was the first to ink an NHL deal post-eligibility ruling.
League cleared such players for contracts October 15, play starting December 1. Vegas moved quickly, converting his PTO. His return carried emotional weight, including a recent sit-out against Philadelphia.
Details on Carter Hart not starting in his Philadelphia return highlight workload management. Fans watched his redemption arc closely.
Hart silenced doubters with steady starts. Yet injuries like this test resilience. Full ESPN injury report confirms lower-body concern.
Looking ahead for Vegas and Hart
The Knights face St. Louis Saturday without confirmed Hart status. Schmid or a call-up fills the void short-term. Hill’s practice participation offers hope for rotation stability.
Hart’s injury timing stings amid a competitive Pacific Division. Vegas aims to defend their recent success. A prolonged absence could strain depth.
Recovery outlook depends on diagnostics. Lower-body tweaks vary from day-to-day to weeks. Hart’s youth and conditioning favor quick return.
Ultimately, this episode underscores goalie fragility. Vegas’ management showed foresight signing Hart. Fans await his bounce-back, integral to playoff push.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.