With punishment officially handed out to the five players from Team Canada’s 2018 World Junior team who were acquitted on sexual assault charges, speculation has begun about any potential returns to the NHL.
Former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart has and will continue to draw the most interest of them all as a former second-round pick (48th overall) who looked to be one of the best up-and-coming netminders in the game prior to the accusations.
The Sherwood Park, Alberta, native has been linked heavily to the Edmonton Oilers in recent months, as well as his old team, which has struggled mightily at the position since he left.
Both Edmonton and Philadelphia would seem to make a lot of sense for Hart, with a good opportunity to take over as the number one option. However, according to TSN insider Chris Johnston, those two teams won’t be in the running for his services. He shared an update with the latest in an article for The Athletic.
“Per league sources, Hart is expected to reach terms on a contract by Oct. 1, though the contract can’t officially be registered with the NHL until Oct. 15. His top priorities are finding a job with a clear chance to get a meaningful number of starts and playing for a team that can win,” Johnston said.
“Hart is looking for a fresh start, which effectively rules out a return to Philadelphia. He’s also almost certainly going to land with a U.S.-based team, per league sources. That invalidates any notion of the Sherwood Park, Alta., native landing with his hometown Edmonton Oilers—a popular speculative home among some media and fans, but in reality not a good fit on either side of the equation,” Johnston added.
What I’m hearing about Carter Hart free agency and why the Oilers and Flyers may be non-starters https://t.co/ndfS57pSPL
— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) September 13, 2025
The now 27-year-old last suited up in 2023-24 for the Flyers, going 12-9-3 with a 2.80 goals-against average, a .906 save percentage, and one shutout in his 25 starts.
Who are the top suitors for Hart?
With the Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers, and all other Canadian teams out of the mix, that gives us a better idea of where Carter Hart could end up.
It narrows things down to American-based teams that don’t have a clear-cut starter, which would allow Hart to show his abilities and take over the crease.
Given that, Carolina, Columbus, Buffalo, and potentially Vegas or Los Angeles immediately stand out as options that could fit Hart’s desires. Pittsburgh, Utah, and Seattle are other teams that also shouldn’t be ruled out.
As Johnston mentioned, it won’t be long before we find out Carter Hart’s new home, as he’s expected to make a decision by October 1.
