What Happened to Carter Hart?

Carter John Hart, born August 13, 1998, quickly rose through the hockey ranks, becoming a highly touted goaltending prospect. Drafted 48th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, he made his NHL debut in December 2018, becoming the youngest Flyers goaltender to win his debut. He continued to set franchise records, including being the youngest Flyers goaltender to record a shutout and win a postseason game.

However, Hart's career took a dramatic turn beginning in early 2024. On January 23, 2024, the Flyers announced Hart would take an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons. Shortly after, on January 30, 2024, he, along with four other members of Canada's 2018 World Junior team, was ordered to surrender to London, Ontario police to be charged with sexual assault in connection with an incident that occurred in June 2018. Hart was formally charged with one count of sexual assault on February 5, 2024.

The criminal trial for Hart and his co-accused began in April 2025. After an eight-week trial, Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia found Hart and the other four players not guilty of sexual assault on July 24, 2025, citing a lack of credibility in the complainant's allegations. Following the acquittal, the Crown announced in August 2025 that it would not appeal the ruling.

Despite the acquittal, the NHL conducted its own review. In September 2025, the NHL and NHL Players' Association agreed to reinstate the players but imposed a suspension until December 1, 2025, stating their actions did not meet league standards. The Philadelphia Flyers did not tender Hart a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2024, and Flyers GM Daniel Briere confirmed in September 2025 that Hart would not return to the organization, with Hart seeking a fresh start.

On October 16, 2025, Hart signed a professional tryout agreement with the Vegas Golden Knights, which was converted into a two-year, $4 million contract on October 24, 2025. He was assigned to the AHL's Henderson Silver Knights for a conditioning stint in November 2025 before being recalled by Vegas. Hart made his highly anticipated NHL return with the Golden Knights on December 2, 2025, securing a 4-3 shootout victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. As of April 30, 2026, Hart is the starting goaltender for the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, reuniting with former Flyers coach John Tortorella and showing strong performance despite some recent struggles in the first-round series against the Utah Mammoth.