Daily Nuggets: Golden Knights Sign Hart; Tuch Talks on ‘Back Burner’

Good morning, folks. On Thursday, the Vegas Golden Knights announced that Carter Hart would be joining the organization. Hart and several of his new teammates spoke about how excited they are for his new opportunity with the team. And last night, the Golden Knights hosted the Boston Bruins for a good old-fashioned barn burner. 

Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, the Buffalo Sabres aren’t in a good place with their contract talks with Alex Tuch. Team USA righted a wrong they made over the summer. Brady Tkachuk underwent thumb surgery, and the New Jersey Devils are seeking a long-term extension for their goaltender.

Golden Knights News

After much speculation, on Thursday, the Golden Knights officially announced that goaltender Carter Hart would be joining the organization on a PTO.

Hart spoke with the media after morning skate on Thursday. He gushed about the opportunity to get a fresh start with the Golden Knights, and said he’s “excited to move forward.”

Bruce Cassidy, Mark Stone, and Jack Eichel also spoke with the media about the team’s decision to sign Hart. All three mentioned the outstanding culture the organization has developed and expressed an excitement to welcome him into it.

On Thursday, the Golden Knights played the first of a three-game homestand. And boy, oh boy, their tilt with the Boston Bruins was a thriller. They had a 6-3 lead at the beginning of the third period, but allowed the game to be a lot closer than it should’ve been. Ultimately, they held on for a 6-5 win. My observations here:

NHL News, Rumors, & National Hockey Now

The Athletic ($): Kyle Connor is using his platform to spread awareness for a cause near and dear to his heart. 

Sportsnet: Oh, no, Evan Bouchard. The $10.5 million man committed two costly turnovers, and the Edmonton Oilers handed the New York Islanders their first win of the season.

The Fourth Period: It’s a dark day in Buffalo. The Sabres are 1-3-0, and they’ve put contract discussions with Alex Tuch “on the back burner.”

Sportsnet: Bad news for Brady Tkachuk. The Ottawa Senators’ captain underwent thumb surgery, and he’ll be out six to eight weeks.

Boston Hockey Now: “No matter how it ends, no night in Las Vegas is ever boring.” Re-live last night’s 6-5 victory over the Bruins from the other side.

Montreal Hockey Now: Team USA has officially righted a wrong. After snubbing Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson this summer by not inviting him to orientation camp, they added him to their preliminary roster for the 2026 Olympics.

New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils are seeking a long-term extension for 35-year-old goaltender Jacob Markström.