The Vegas Golden Knights ‌announced⁤ on Thursday, October ⁢10, 2024, that they have signed goaltender Michael Hart to a professional tryout contract. The‍ las vegas Review-Journal reported Hart expressed his ⁢relief, stating, “It’s been a long road ⁤to get back to this point, to get back to the game of hockey, the game that I ⁤love.”

Background and NHL Career

Hart was originally drafted 48th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry​ Draft by‍ the Philadelphia Flyers.‌ He spent six seasons with the Flyers organization, appearing in 26 games during the 2024 season. ‍ His 2024 statistics included a 2.80 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage.

The Sherwood Park, Alberta native brings NHL experience to the Golden Knights organization. His ⁣performance⁣ with the Flyers, while ‌not as a starter, demonstrated his capabilities as ‍a⁢ capable NHL ⁣goaltender.

Team Response and ‌Management’s Role

Golden Knights captain Mark Stone indicated that⁢ the team’s front office proactively addressed the situation with the players before⁢ signing‍ Hart. Stone told reporters, ​”Management put a lot⁣ of time and effort ​into it.” He further expressed the team’s optimism, stating, “We’re looking forward to having him here, looking ⁣forward ‍to where our team is going.“

Legal Context

Michael Hart was acquitted of sexual assault in July 2024. details of the case were widely reported, and the acquittal allows Hart to resume his professional hockey career.​ The Golden Knights’ decision to sign‌ Hart acknowledges this‌ outcome and provides ​him with an opportunity to continue playing.