What should the Flyers do with Carter Hart?

The Philadelphia Flyers face a challenging dilemma regarding the future of goaltender Carter Hart, whose indefinite leave from the team has left his status uncertain. Hart's absence, initiated on Jan. 23, coincided with reports linking him to serious charges dating back to 2018 in London, Ontario.

General manager Danny Brière said during an interview last friday
The situation gained clarity when Hart's legal representatives confirmed his involvement in the legal proceedings, revealing one count of charges against him. Subsequently, the Flyers obtained salary-cap relief from Hart's contract, as he entered the final year of his three-year, $11.937 million deal.

As the goaltender's future hangs in the balance, a pivotal date looms: July 1, when Hart is poised to transition into restricted free agency. The Flyers hold the prerogative to extend a qualifying offer to retain his rights, though failure to do so would render him an unrestricted free agent, granting him the freedom to explore opportunities elsewhere. Notably, Hart remains unsuspended by the NHL, leaving the door open for potential signings with other teams.


NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman provided insights during his midseason press conference at the All-Star Game, hinting at the likelihood of Hart and his codefendants remaining off the ice for the foreseeable future. Given the anticipated timeline of legal proceedings, which may not reach trial until 2025 due to Canada's court system backlog, Bettman expressed skepticism regarding their return to NHL action amid ongoing legal matters. Bettman comments
Implicit in Bettman's remarks is the expectation that Hart's absence from professional hockey may persist, at least until the resolution of his legal case. The uncertainty surrounding his status underscores the complexities facing both the Flyers and Hart himself, as they navigate the intersection of legal proceedings and professional sports. Until further developments emerge, Hart's future in the NHL remains clouded, leaving the Flyers with a pressing decision to make regarding their goaltending situation.

Given the Flyers GM's outspoken stance on his goaltending plans for the upcoming season, which involves Fedotov and Samuel Ersson as the preferred tandem, it's reasonable to anticipate the team parting ways with Hart.

Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer