The news is out, and it’s a stunner: Carter Hart’s professional tryout (PTO) with the Vegas Golden Knights is set to become a two-year, $4 million contract. As an analyst who has followed this situation closely, this move is pure, uncut Kelly McCrimmon and the Golden Knights’ front office. It’s a high-risk, high-reward gamble that most of the league wouldn’t dare to make.
Let’s break down the financials first. A $2 million average annual value (AAV) for a goalie who, just a few years ago, was anointed the future of Canadian goaltending, is an absolute bargain… on paper. Hart is coming off a complete acquittal on sexual assault charges, but the NHL’s subsequent investigation deemed his and the other players’ actions “unacceptable.” The league and NHLPA’s agreement for reinstatement is the critical piece here: Hart can be signed and practice (he’s reporting to the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights), but he is ineligible to participate in any NHL games until December 1, 2025.
This isn’t a “win now” move. This is a “win later” masterstroke.
What Does Hart’s Signing Mean for the Knights’ Goalie Room?
This is where the expert insight comes in. The Vegas Golden Knights are masters of long-term asset management. They are essentially stashing a potential #1 goalie. Hart gets a full season-plus to work with the Vegas goalie coaches, find his game again, and get mentally and physically reintegrated into a pro environment, all away from the harsh spotlight of the Canadian NHL market.
By signing Hart to a $2 million ticket, Vegas gives itself incredible flexibility. If Hart returns to his elite form this season, they have a star goalie at a rock-bottom price. If he doesn’t, it’s a $2 million gamble that they can easily walk away from.
The Vegas Golden Knights are leveraging their cap space to take a chance on elite talent that the rest of the league deemed too toxic or complicated. While the organization states it’s “aligned with the process” and committed to its “core values,” this is a cold, calculated hockey decision aimed at securing another Stanley Cup. They are betting that by December 2025, Hart’s skill will overshadow the controversy. It’s a bold strategy, and frankly, it’s exactly what has made Vegas a perennial contender.
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