Carter Hart to Vegas – Did Golden Knights Cup Odds Improve?

• Vegas Golden Knights signed goaltender Carter Hart to a professional tryout Thursday
• Hart won’t be eligible to play in NHL games until December 1st after nearly two years away
• See how the Hart signing impacts Vegas’s Stanley Cup odds and betting futures

The Vegas Golden Knights signed goaltender Carter Hart to a professional tryout on Thursday, with the deal expected to convert into a two-year contract worth $1.8 million per season. But there’s a catch: Hart won’t play an NHL game until December 1st, and that’s after nearly two years away from hockey.

Vegas’ Stanley Cup odds barely moved following the signing, shifting from +890 to +880. The market clearly views this as a depth move, not a game-changer.

Vegas Golden Knights Stanley Cup Odds

 Average odds across top-rated NHL betting apps, including DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, Caesars and BetMGM.

What Vegas Is Getting in Carter Hart

Hart became eligible to sign on Tuesday after his acquittal in July from the 2018 Hockey Canada case. Vegas acted fast, announcing the signing just one day later.

The 27-year-old brings a 96-93-29 career record with a .906 save percentage and 2.94 goals-against average across 227 NHL games. Those are middling numbers for a starting goalie.

His best work came during the 2020 bubble playoffs when he posted a 2.23 GAA and .926 save percentage across 14 games for Philadelphia, going 9-5 with two shutouts. That stretch showed what Hart could do when he’s locked in.

In his last action before going on indefinite leave, Hart went 12-9-3 with a 2.80 GAA and .906 save percentage in 26 games during 2023-24. Not terrible, but not exactly moving the needle either.

The Rust Factor Is Real

Hart hasn’t played competitive hockey since January 20, 2024. That’s roughly 19 to 22 months away from the game. The Athletic noted Hart “carries the potential of again becoming a No. 1 goaltender, although it’s not known how the extended layoff will affect his play.”

He’ll start with Henderson beginning November 15, giving him about two weeks of AHL action before becoming NHL-eligible on December 1st. Two weeks of AHL games won’t erase nearly two years of rust.

The 2020 bubble playoffs remain Hart’s calling card. His ability to make scrambling, athletic saves in chaotic situations was what made him dangerous. If he can recapture that form, Vegas gets valuable depth for a playoff push. But that’s a big if.

Where Hart Fits in Vegas’s Plans

Adin Hill went down Tuesday against Calgary with a lower-body injury after taking a shot that knocked his mask off. He’s day-to-day but won’t start on Thursday against Boston.

That puts Akira Schmid in the spotlight. He’s looked solid through two appearances in 2025-26, going 2-0-0 with a 1.80 GAA and .929 save percentage. Schmid stopped all 19 shots he faced after replacing Hill against Calgary.

Carl Lindbom’s waiting in Henderson, but he’s never started an NHL game. Vegas doesn’t want to throw him into the fire unless absolutely necessary.

Golden Knights captain Mark Stone confirmed players were consulted before the signing and expressed support for bringing Hart into the organization.

Does Hart Impact Vegas’s Cup Odds?

Not really. The slight movement from +890 to +880 speaks to Hart’s upside more than any expectation he’ll contribute right away.

Vegas was already a Cup contender before this move. They won it all in 2023 and added Mitch Marner this offseason. They’re sitting atop the Pacific Division at 2-0-2, with Jack Eichel posting nine points through four games.

Hart’s signing provides insurance. If Hill’s injury is short-term, Hart becomes a depth piece who could help during a playoff run. If Hill misses extended time, Hart gives Vegas another option beyond Schmid starting December 1st.

Vegas Golden Knights Betting Value

At +880, Vegas offers value if you believe in this roster. The odds have improved significantly from +1200 in June, indicating that the oddsmakers think this roster has a strong chance to win the Cup.

But Hart’s not the reason to bet Vegas. This team’s championship hopes hinge on Hill staying healthy and their elite forwards continuing to produce. Hart’s addition is a low-risk flier on a guy with upside, nothing more.

The real question is whether Hart can shake off nearly two years of rust. His career .906 save percentage is below average for a starting netminder, and he needs to prove he can still compete at hockey’s highest level.

December 1st is when we’ll start getting answers. Until then, Vegas remains a Cup favorite based on their roster strength, not Hart’s potential contribution.

Vegas Golden Knights Stanley Cup Odds: +880