The Edmonton Oilers should rush to sign recently acquitted goaltender Carter Hart. Hart, along with four other Canadian hockey players, was acquitted by a court on Thursday of sexual assault charges.
Justice Carroccia opined she found “inconsistencies” in the testimony of a woman who alleged
Carter Hart last played in the NHL in 2023-24 with the Philadelphia Flyers, posting a 2.80 GAA and a .906 SV% in 26 games. The 25-year-old netminder had come under fire for his underwhelming performance, seeing his playing time diminish.
However, Hart’s struggles weren’t necessarily his fault. The Flyers team in front of him played suspect defense. That situation prompted some analysts to believe that Hart could play much better with an improved defense in front of him.
That’s why Hart makes sense for the Oilers. The team is looking for a goalie to take over the crease. So, why not give the former second-round pick from 2016 a shot? At this point, Hart would not cost a significant price.
If anything, the Oilers can land Hart for a one or two-year deal at around $1 to $2 million. That deal would allow the Hart to get back on track. Of course, the Oilers cannot expect Hart to immediately step in and take over the starting role.
The Oilers could give Hart as much time as needed to get back into playing shape. He could become a sort of in-season addition. Bringing Hart into the fold would be a perfect low-risk, high-reward move the Oilers have been looking for.
Hart Not the Solution Oilers Hope for at this Time
Oilers fans hope the team can find an immediate solution for the team’s seeming goaltending woes in one fell swoop. Unfortunately, that does not seem plausible as that type of goaltender is just not available at this time.
Fans would love to see the Oilers add a Sergei Bobrovsky or Connor Hellebuyck to the fold. But such goalies are not only hard to come by, but teams are also wary of trading them. So, teams like Edmonton have to get creative.
Part of that creativity involves finding solid goalies that others may overlook. Hart is hardly a risk. Still, some teams may be unsure of what Hart’s got left in the tank. His nearly two-year absence from hockey could have had a detrimental impact on his development.
But then again, opportunities such as this one don’t come by very often. That’s why the Oilers cannot afford to let Hart slip through their fingers.
Edmonton Would Be Bringing an Alberta Native Home
Carter Hart is a native of Sherwood Park, Alberta. So, signing with the Oilers would be a homecoming of sorts.
While there might be some fear of negative publicity from Hart’s public trial, the fact is that playing for the Oilers would be an ideal fresh start.
Hart would be eager to prove he belongs in the NHL. Plus, the idea of putting a dark chapter from his life behind him could be the driving force needed to propel Hart to a strong return to ice.
There’s no indication at this time that the Oilers are looking to sign Hart. But fans shouldn’t be surprised to see several teams kick the tires on him in short order.
Oilers Should Rush to Sign Recently Acquitted Goalie