Why Reporters barred from questioning Carter Hart at Golden Knights press conference

Carter Hart’s return to professional hockey has followed an unusual and closely scrutinised path. Now with the Vegas Golden Knights preparing to meet the Carolina Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup Final, the goaltender finds himself both competing for a championship and continuing to sit at the centre of wider public discussion.

Hart was one of five players from Canada’s 2018 World Junior team who were acquitted of sexual assault charges last July. After the legal process concluded, the NHL cleared the players to sign contracts from October 15 and return to play on December 1. Vegas moved quickly, signing Hart to a two-year deal worth $4 million.

Since joining the Golden Knights, the 27-year-old has shifted from a controversial addition to a genuine standout performer, even emerging as a possible Conn Smythe Trophy contender.

A difficult start before a major turnaround

His early spell in Vegas was inconsistent, as he posted a 5-3-3 record with a 3.23 goals-against average and an .874 save percentage. A lower-body injury in January further disrupted his season, keeping him out for nearly three months.

During that stretch, Vegas rotated between Adin Hill and Akira Schmid, neither of whom fully locked down the starting role.

The turning point came late in the season after coaching changes saw John Tortorella take over behind the bench. Having previously coached Hart in Philadelphia, he immediately reinstated him as the starter. Hart responded with six straight wins to close the regular season, posting a 1.67 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage.

Tortorella has publicly backed Hart’s mentality, noting his development before his NHL suspension and suggesting he has resumed that progress in Vegas.

Ongoing scrutiny off the ice

Despite his strong performances, Hart’s return continues to attract scrutiny due to the circumstances surrounding the case. The allegations relate to an incident in London, Ontario in 2018, with charges only brought years later. He and the other players were ultimately acquitted, with the court finding the prosecution had not met the required burden of proof.

The NHL conducted its own review and later reinstated the players, though it also described their conduct as “deeply troubling and unacceptable.” As a result, several teams were reportedly hesitant to pursue them, including the Carolina Hurricanes, who are now Vegas’s opponents in the final.

Vegas ultimately decided to sign Hart, stating its commitment to organisational values while allowing the goaltender to begin his comeback.

Hart addressed the situation at the time, saying he hoped to show people his “true character” through his actions moving forward.

Growing support in Vegas

Within the Golden Knights organisation and fanbase, Hart has increasingly been embraced. He received a warm reception in his first home appearance in December, and support has grown steadily as the team has progressed through the playoffs.