Carter Hart Set to Make Season Debut with Golden Knights as NHL Injury News Heats Up
After a long wait and a stint in the AHL, Carter Hart is expected to make his return to NHL ice on Tuesday, suiting up for the Vegas Golden Knights. The goaltender’s suspension officially ends on December 1st, and sources indicate he’ll be recalled immediately to join the big club.
Hart, who signed a two-year deal with Vegas carrying a $2 million AAV, has been working his way back into game shape in the AHL. In three appearances, he posted a 3.07 goals-against average and an .839 save percentage - numbers that don’t jump off the page but serve their purpose as a tune-up. The Golden Knights are clearly banking on Hart’s upside and NHL experience as they look to reinforce their crease heading into the heart of the season.
Waiver Wire Movement: Pitlick, Ginning Hit the Market
Elsewhere around the league, a couple of names have hit the waiver wire. The Minnesota Wild have placed forward Tyler Pitlick on waivers, while the Philadelphia Flyers have done the same with defenseman Adam Ginning.
These are the kinds of moves that often fly under the radar, but they can be telling. Whether it’s about making room for younger talent or adjusting to roster needs, both clubs are clearly looking to tweak their lineups.
Injury Roundup: Mrazek Hurt, Fox to LTIR, and Key Returns Across the League
In Anaheim, the goaltending situation just got even more complicated. Petr Mrazek left in the third period of the Ducks’ last game after stretching out to play the puck and suffering an apparent injury.
No official update has been provided yet, but it’s a concerning development for a team already missing its No. 1 netminder. Lukas Dostal is expected to be out two to three weeks with an upper-body injury, leaving Anaheim scrambling for answers in goal.
Carolina, on the other hand, got some good news. Veteran forward Jordan Staal returned to the lineup after missing the past three games due to illness. His presence down the middle brings stability and leadership to a Hurricanes team that thrives on structure and depth.
In Dallas, defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin is back in action after missing six games with a lower-body injury. Known for his physical play and stay-at-home style, Lyubushkin’s return adds a layer of grit to the Stars’ blue line as they continue to push through a competitive Western Conference.
Meanwhile, the New York Rangers have taken a hit on defense. Adam Fox has been placed on long-term injured reserve with an upper-body injury.
He’ll be out for a minimum of 10 games and 24 days. The injury came on Saturday after Fox took a hit from Brandon Hagel and left the ice holding his left arm.
For a team that leans heavily on Fox’s elite puck-moving and power-play quarterbacking, this is a significant loss.
Looking Ahead
As teams juggle injuries, roster moves, and call-ups, the NHL season continues to evolve. Carter Hart’s return will be one to watch - not just for what it means to Vegas, but for how it reshapes the goaltending picture league-wide. And with names like Fox sidelined and others returning, the next few weeks could be pivotal in shaping the standings heading into the new year.