Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Golden Knights Share Carter Hart Injury Update After Blue Jackets Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jan 9, 2026 5:45 AM ET

The Vegas Golden Knights were forced into an early goaltending change Thursday after Carter Hart suffered a lower-body injury in the first period against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Hart went down awkwardly during a scramble in front of the net and had trouble getting back up. With the Blue Jackets still controlling possession, per the NHL rulebook, the game couldn't be stopped for Hart to leave.

Hart, who was unable to move effectively, could do nothing to prevent Boone Jenner from scoring Columbus' first goal of the game, making it 1-0 Blue Jackets at the time.

The Golden Knights' goalie was removed at the 8:24 mark and did not return. Hart finished the game with just one save on four shots before Vegas replaced him with Akira Schmid.

Hear from Head Coach Bruce Cassidy, Mitch Marner, Brett Howden, and Reilly Smith following Thursday’s win against the Blue Jackets.

Full video on our YouTube Channel: https://t.co/wrGpBRpKqp pic.twitter.com/GPkkrxB4Gu
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) January 9, 2026

After the game, head coach Bruce Cassidy addressed Hart’s status.

“Uh, nothing I can give you now,” Cassidy said. “He’s going to get a full evaluation probably tomorrow, so we’ll know fairly quickly.”

Although Cassidy couldn't provide a solid update, his comments hinted at a worrying injury. He added that further updates could come on Saturday, depending on Hart’s condition.

“We’ll find out probably more [on Saturday] and probably give you some updates Saturday if we're able to see him on the ice,” Cassidy said. “But it didn’t look good, the way he went off. So hopefully it’s nothing serious, but I don’t know.”

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) looks on during a game with the Philadelphia Flyers.Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images

Hart entered the night 5–3–3 in 11 appearances with a 3.23 goals-against average and .874 save percentage. Vegas signed the former Philadelphia Flyers netminder in October, and he made his debut in December.

The Golden Knights have been managing injuries at the position all season. Starter Adin Hill has been sidelined since Oct. 20 but practiced Thursday and may be nearing a return.

Vegas defeated Columbus 5–3 despite the early scare. They improved to 19–11–12 and remain tied with Edmonton at 50 points for first in the Pacific Division, although the Golden Knights have two games in hand.

Next up, the Golden Knights host the St. Louis Blues on Saturday at 10:00 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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