Carter Hart makes his feelings known ahead of NHL return vs. Blackhawks following Hockey Canada assault acquittal

Carter Hart spoke about his mindset as he prepares for his first NHL game since 2023. Hart signed a two-year, $4 million deal with Vegas in late October, after the NHL cleared him to return. This decision came following his acquittal in the 2018 Hockey Canada case. Hart was cleared to return to NHL play starting December 1.

Now, Carter Hart's first eligible game comes against the Chicago Blackhawks on December 2. He said he feels good after playing games in Henderson for Silver Nights, the Vegas Golden Knights' AHL affiliate.

"I feel good," Hart said to the media before Tuesday's game. "It was nice to go down to Henderson and get some game action. I mean, I've just been practicing for a year and a half. So it's nice to get into a real game.

"And a few games down there, different scenarios that you can't replicate and practice. And so were the guys down there were awesome players and staff. Everybody was was really good, and it was nice just to play."

Carter Hart last played for Philadelphia before taking a leave in January 2024. He has a career record of 96-93-29 with a .906 save percentage. He will face an improved Blackhawks team, who are 11-9-5, while Vegas is 11-6-8 entering the matchup. The game will take place at T-Mobile Arena.

Hart previously interacted with the media on October 16. He said the past year has been a long process.

"It's been a long road to get back to this point, to get back to playing the game of hockey, a game that I love, and I've been out of the game for a year and a half now," Hart said. "I've learned a lot, I've grown a lot. I'm just excited to move forward."

With Adin Hill injured, Vegas will rely on Akira Schmid and Hart for depth.

Jack Eichel's message on Carter Hart's signing

Previously, Golden Knights' star forward Jack Eichel spoke positively about Carter Hart joining the team. He said the team has a strong culture and good people throughout the organization, and that this environment will help Hart as he returns to playing in the NHL.

"I think it’s great," Eichel said via NHL.com. "...We're looking forward to having him, and it's a great opportunity for him to get to play hockey again. I think with the people we have here... it's going to be great for him to be able to do that again."

Eichel made it clear that the players are ready to welcome him fully.