What Happened to Carter Hart?
Carter Hart left the Vegas Golden Knights’ home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night, January 8, 2026, with an apparent left leg, lower‑body injury in the first period.
The X account SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) shared a brief clip showing the full replay of Carter Hart’s injury, giving fans a clear look at the awkward crease collision that led to his early exit.
He went down awkwardly in the crease on a play that led to Boone Jenner’s opening goal, twisting his left leg as he fell backward and then struggling to get back to his feet while the puck was still live.
Trainers and teammates had to help him off the ice, and he could not put full weight on the leg as he was escorted down the tunnel, which always makes an arena go unusually quiet for a few seconds.
On X, user Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) noted that Carter Hart left the game injured and needed help getting off the ice after falling awkwardly on his leg, underscoring how serious the moment looked in real time.
For a goalie who only recently made it back to the NHL after nearly two years away, the timing feels especially harsh, and the reaction around Vegas has been a mix of concern and frustration that this “fresh start” hit a snag so quickly.
When Will Carter Hart Return?
There is no confirmed return date yet for Carter Hart, with the Golden Knights saying he will undergo a full evaluation on Friday and that a more detailed update is expected on Saturday.
Early reports list it simply as a lower‑body injury to the left leg, and the team has not specified whether it is an ankle, knee, or something more complex, which is pretty standard NHL injury language but still a bit maddening for fans trying to plan fantasy lineups or just worry in peace.
Vegas is already dealing with a lower‑body injury to Adin Hill, so there is a good chance the club leans on Akira Schmid and potentially recalls Carl Lindbom from AHL Henderson if Hart cannot dress for the next few games.
Coaches have hinted that the medical staff wants to “see how it responds overnight,” which usually points toward at least a short absence, even if the hope in the room is that this becomes a week‑to‑week situation rather than something that derails his entire 2025‑26 season.
Carter Hart Stats
Before the injury against Columbus, Carter Hart had worked his way into a solid supporting role for Vegas, posting a 2025‑26 regular‑season line of roughly 4 wins, 1 loss, and 3 overtime or shootout losses, with a 2.76 goals‑against average and a .898 save percentage and no shutouts.
Since signing a two‑year, 4 million dollar deal with the Golden Knights in October 2025 and debuting for them on December 2 in a 4–3 win over Chicago, he had gone 5‑3‑3 overall in 11 appearances, with a 3.23 goals‑against average and an .874 save percentage across that early stretch.
Looking at his broader NHL body of work, Hart has played more than 220 career games, carrying a goals‑against average around 2.9–3.0 and a save percentage in the .900–.907 range, with multiple seasons clearing 20 wins, which is why Vegas viewed him as a worthwhile rebound bet once he became eligible to return to the league.
Disclaimer: The information provided here regarding Carter Hart's injury and return is based on the latest available updates as of January 8, 2026. Any further developments regarding his condition and recovery are subject to official statements from the Vegas Golden Knights and medical professionals. Please check official sources for the most current details.
