Team Kicks Reporter Out of Facility & Revokes Credentials for Carter Hart Questions

As of next Wednesday, October 1, Carter Hart and any of the 'Hockey Canada Five' who were acquitted this summer of sexual assault charges, are free to sign with an NHL team (the contract can be registered as of October 15).

And while the Carolina Hurricanes have been one of the notable teams circling around the former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender, it appears that another team is the frontrunner to sign Hart, according to insider Chris Johnston on his podcast on Thursday:

At this point in time it sounds like Vegas is the favorite to land Carter Hart. He's looking for an opportunity on a team that can win. It's hard, if you look around...at the goaltending position...(to find) a spot where there'd be more starts available to him...
It does seem like things are headed in that direction.

Johnston goes on to add that it would be a "true competition for starts" between Vegas Golden Knights' incumbent Adin Hill and Hart, if he were to sign there.

The Knights, however, are being extremely guarded on the whole Carter Hart situation. So much so, in fact, that they kicked an Athletic reporter out of their practice facilities this week for even attempting to ask questions about a potential Hart signing. The team also revoked the his press pass for their preseason game.

Golden Knights revoke reporter's credentials for asking Carter Hart questions

If the Knights are being this reluctant to discuss the situation, it's hard to imagine they're seriously considering bringing Hart in. Mark Lazerus, the Athletic reporter banned by the team this week, wondered what it would be like around the team this year if Hart was, indeed, signed.

"On Tuesday morning, it was one reporter quietly asking somewhat vague and generalized questions. It’s not hard to envision what it’ll be like for any of these (acquitted) players following a morning skate in, say, Toronto, during the regular season."

One week until Hart or the others can sign a deal with an NHL club, and December 1st is the official date of reinstatement when they can suit up and play in a game.

As for the Golden Knights, starter Adin Hill managed to stay healthy for a full season last year for the first time, and started 50 games. But can the 29-year-old repeat that feat?