Carter Hart, acquitted in Hockey Canada sexual assault trial, returns to NHL with Las Vegas Tuesday

Goalie Carter Hart, one of five 2018 Canada world junior hockey players acquitted of sexual assault in July, will make his first NHL appearance in nearly two years when he starts in goal Tuesday night for the Vegas Golden Knights, who host Chicago.

Hart was the first of those five players to agree to an NHL contract. The league ruled those players were eligible to sign deals beginning Oct. 15 and to play beginning Dec. 1. Hart signed a two-year, $4 million contract and has been working with the club's American Hockey League affiliate in Henderson, Nevada.

After he agreed to sign, Hart read a statement to reporters that, in part, said he wanted "to show the community my true character and who I am and what I'm about."

Hart was asked Monday what steps he has taken to fulfill that pledge.

"There's been a few things we've talked about," Hart said. "We did a thing there in Henderson helping out the homeless. There's some things we've talked about throughout the season. Whatever I can do to help, I'm happy to help."

Giving Hart his first start at home could help ease him into what could be a rocky reception around the league. How welcoming Golden Knights fans will be remains to be seen, but after facing the Blackhawks, Vegas goes on a five-game road trip against Eastern Conference teams, including a Dec. 11 stop at Hart's former Philadelphia team.

He worked in Henderson on getting back into NHL game shape. Hart appeared in three games and went 1-2.

"I've worked by (butt) off to get back to this point," Hart said. "For me, the key is preparation and I've done everything I can to be prepared."

The 27-year-old last played in an NHL game Jan. 20, 2024, for Philadelphia. Hart played six seasons for the Flyers, going 96-93-29 with a