NHL Rumors: 'Several Teams' Are Indeed Interested in Carter Hart
He's still persona non grata in the NHL as far as the league's official stance is concerned. But that doesn't mean that some teams aren't enamoured with the thought of adding a potential No. 1 goalie in Carter Hart.
In fact, there are at least four clubs interested in Hart, according to the 2 Mutts podcast:
Carter Hart News:
— 2 Mutts Hockey Podcast (@2MuttsHockeyPod) August 28, 2025
Speaking to a few NHL players over the last few days who have been on the ice with Carter Hart here in Edmonton this summer do say he looks great & he’s very focused on returning to the @NHL & Hart believes he is able to help a team out.
His goalie mechanics…
"We are expecting an announcement within the next few weeks on Hart's road back into the NHL, as there are a lot of teams who would bring him in on a PTO, as at least 4 organizations have told us 'if he's cleared to return, we will bring him in.'"
They go on to say that NHLers who have been on the ice with Hart this summer say he "looks great and is very focused on returning" to the league. Hart has been working out in Edmonton.
And yes, we're well aware that the Edmonton Oilers are one of the teams badly in need of an upgrade between the pipes, but there's no indication that Hart's close proximity means that the Oil are one of the teams interested.
However, another insider, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, HAS pinpointed one of the teams, and it's a very familiar one to Hart:
There are several teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers, interested in goaltender Carter Hart, but they continue to wait on the NHL's decision to determine when he is eligible to play.
Hart played 5 1/2 seasons with the Flyers, and established himself as a legit No. 1 goaltender. Philly's rotation in the crease since he left has been less than desirable.
Hart is working out in Edmonton, but is still not eligible to return to NHL
Hart has been out of the league since midway through the 2023-24 season, which is when his legal troubles began, as he and four other members of the 2018 Canadian junior hockey championships team were charged and brought to trial on sexual assault charges. All five of them were acquitted last month, opening the door for a return to the NHL.
But the league hasn't yet made its decision on clearing them.
Hart played 26 games for the Flyers in that interrupted '23-'24 campaign, and posted a 2.80 goals against average and a .906 save percentage. His career numbers are similar, with a 2.94 GAA and a .906 Sv% in 227 games (218 starts).
Photo: © Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
