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Oilers insider raises developing issue with Carter Hart
Since signing a two-year, $4M contract with the Vegas Golden Knights on October 24, 2025, Carter Hart has experienced a turbulent return to the NHL after a nearly two-year absence.
Goalie's stats dipping with his new team
While his debut was strong, Hart has struggled in his most recent appearances, allowing 14 goals over three games for an .800 save percentage, which contributed to a recent Golden Knights losing streak.
As seems to be a common occurrence in the modern NHL, Vegas' starter Aidan Hill was injured after only five games, forcing the GM to make a move in goal.
The team has relied on back-up goalie Akira Schmid to carry the bulk of the workload, with Carter Hart as his back-up. Still, his performances have lacked confidence.
Over ten games, Carter has a record of 4-3-3, with a 3.28 GAA and an .876 SV%.
Yet, even before he debuted with the Golden Knights, Hart played three games for the AHL's Henderson Silver Knights, going 1-2-0 with a 3.07 GAA and an .839 SV% while working back into game shape.
Prior to signing with Vegas, Oilers' GM Stan Bowman had inquired about Hart's availability, as had several other teams. Of course, he finally agreed to terms with Tristan Jarry, which in hindsight, is the better choice.
However, if his recent play is any indication, three games in the AHL to prepare for an NHL return, may not have sufficed. Bowman may have escaped a potential disaster.
In his last three games, Carter has allowed 4, 5, and 5 goals respectively, with a GAA of .789, .583, and .872. With numbers like that, it's difficult to trust him to start many games moving forward.