### Golden Knights' Carter Hart Faces Setback with Week-to-Week Injury The Vegas Golden Knights are grappling with a significant setback as their goaltender, Carter Hart, has been declared week-to-week due to a lower-body injury sustained during a recent game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed the injury, which occurred in the first period of the game on January 9, 2026. Hart's absence is compounded by the fact that the team is already without their other top goaltender, Adin Hill, who has been sidelined since October. In response to this situation, the Golden Knights have called up Carl Lindbom from their AHL affiliate, and Akira Schmid is set to start in the upcoming game against the St. Louis Blues. Hart, who signed with the Golden Knights in October, had just returned to the ice after nearly two years away from the NHL, making his first appearance on December 2, 2025 [https://apnews.com/article/carter-hart-golden-knights-injury-f305893a911dbe09fe671bd602dcbd14]. ### Breakdown of the Situation 1. **Injury Details** - Carter Hart suffered a lower-body injury during the first period of a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on January 9, 2026. - The injury occurred after a scramble in front of the net, leading to Hart falling awkwardly [https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3450496/golden-knights-hart-injured-in-1st-period-against-blue-jackets]. 2. **Team Response** - Coach Bruce Cassidy announced that Hart is week-to-week with the injury, and Akira Schmid will take over as the starting goalie for the upcoming game against the St. Louis Blues [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/golden-knights-carter-hart-out-week-to-week-with-lower-body-injury]. - Carl Lindbom has been called up from the AHL to provide additional support in goal [https://apnews.com/article/carter-hart-golden-knights-injury-f305893a911dbe09fe671bd602dcbd14]. 3. **Current Goaltending Situation** - The Golden Knights are currently without both Hart and Adin Hill, who has been practicing but is not yet cleared to play. Cassidy expects to have an update on Hill's status by Tuesday [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/golden-knights-carter-hart-out-week-to-week-with-lower-body-injury]. - Hart had recently returned to the NHL after a lengthy absence, making his first appearance in nearly two years on December 2, 2025 [https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3450496/golden-knights-hart-injured-in-1st-period-against-blue-jackets]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Timeline** - January 9, 2026: Hart leaves the game against Columbus due to injury. - January 10, 2026: Coach Cassidy announces Hart is week-to-week with a lower-body injury [https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/article/golden-knights-g-hart-out-week-to-week-with-lower-body-injury]. - **Goaltending Statistics** - Hart's performance prior to the injury: 5 wins, 3 losses, 3.23 goals-against average, and .874 save percentage [https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3450496/golden-knights-hart-injured-in-1st-period-against-blue-jackets]. ### Conclusion and Implications **The Golden Knights are facing a challenging period with the loss of Carter Hart, who is now week-to-week due to a lower-body injury.** 1. Hart's injury occurred during a critical game, impacting the team's goaltending depth significantly. 2. Akira Schmid will step in as the starting goalie, while Carl Lindbom has been called up for additional support. 3. The team is also awaiting updates on Adin Hill's potential return, which could alleviate some pressure on the goaltending situation. The Golden Knights will need to navigate this injury crisis carefully as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the NHL [https://www.apnews.com/article/carter-hart-golden-knights-injury-f305893a911dbe09fe671bd602dcbd14].