Oilers’ Path Clear to Sign Recently Acquitted Goalie Carter Hart
The Edmonton Oilers now have a clear opportunity to sign a potential solution for their goaltending situation. The NHL has lifted its restriction on the five players involved in the Hockey Canada trial, allowing them to return to the ice.
One of those players, goaltender Carter Hart, will be eligible to play starting December 1. Hart, who was acquitted of sexual assault charges earlier this summer in a Canadian court, had been banned from the NHL despite the not guilty verdict, along with the other players involved in the case.
According to a report from The Athletic on September 11, insider Chris Johnston confirmed that Hart is now free to sign with any team in the league. This means the Oilers could move forward with their interest in Hart, especially since they’ve been linked to him ever since his acquittal. The team is in need of a starting goaltender, while Hart is likely looking for a fresh start after his legal battles.
The Philadelphia Flyers, Hart’s original team, are also a potential suitor, given their own goaltending needs. However, Hart is from Alberta, and joining the Oilers might make more sense for both him and the team as a way to upgrade their current goalie tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard.
Debate Over Carter Hart’s Fit with the Oilers
The speculation about Hart joining the Oilers has sparked a mixed reaction. Some fans believe the team would be better off without him, while others feel it’s a move Edmonton should pursue.
Back on July 13, Edmonton Journal reported that the Oilers were one of the teams considering a move for Hart. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period noted that Hart was among the goalies being linked to Edmonton.
Pagnotta said:
“Possibly, yeah. I know there were some reports kind of linking them to Carter Hart.”
However, Oilers insider Jason Gregor quickly shot down the idea, stating:
“Any report about the Oilers having interest in Carter Hart is incorrect. Edmonton will not be approaching him, even if he is found not guilty.”
This report was from two months ago, but the situation has since changed. The Oilers are now dealing with uncertainty surrounding Connor McDavid’s contract extension, with some reports suggesting McDavid is unsure about the team’s direction.
If that’s the case, Edmonton will need to make some moves to show McDavid they’re serious about winning. Signing Hart could be a step in the right direction, though it wouldn’t be the ultimate solution.
Oilers Could Take a Risk with Hart
Carter Hart presents a bit of a gamble at this point. After being away from the game for nearly two years, it’s unclear how he will perform when he returns. While reports suggest Hart is in good shape, teams won’t know his true level until they see him on the ice.
For the Oilers, signing Hart would be a risk, but it also has the potential for great reward. Hart could come into the season with a chip on his shoulder, motivated to prove himself after his legal ordeal. If that fire translates into strong play, he could become the solution Edmonton has been searching for in net.
That may be optimistic, but with the Oilers looking for answers in goal, taking a chance on Hart could be their best option.
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