A surprising new team enters the mix for unsigned goalie Carter Hart

Last month the five players accused in the 2018 World Juniors sexual assault case were all found Not Guilty.

Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote and Alex Formenton were all found Not Guilty of sexually assaulting an unnamed woman in June of 2018 in a London, ON hotel room.

Now, there's speculation about how and where the players might resume their careers. Specifically, there's speculation that Hart, a highly touted goaltender, is seeking to return to the NHL.

"Mr. Hart regrets that it took a criminal trial for the truth to come out, but he has learned from the experience and he is committing to sharing what he has learnt with others in his personal circle and in his professional life," Hart's lawyer Megan Savard said to CBC.

There have been rumor reports that the Edmonton Oilers are interested in signing Hart, but NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported earlier this offseason that Hart is a "non-starter" for the Oilers.

"I was told that Carter Hart is a non-starter for the Edmonton Oilers," Seravalli said. "He's been labelled by the NHL as ineligible and they're going to continue to review the file before determining next steps in the commissioner's office. So, until (he) is cleared to play it's not even really a conversation worth having."

Currently though, Hart and all five of these former NHLers are all under indefinite suspension for violating the NHL's code of conduct. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman is responsible for clearing the suspensions, if he so chooses.

NHLPA head Marty Walsh released a statement last month saying that the players have a right to return to work and that the union will work with the NHL to get these players reinstated. At the same time though, there are a group of activists working behind the scenes to keep these players suspended indefinitely.

Interestingly enough, another team has emerged in rumors amongst teams who have interest in signing Hart and... well... it may surprise you.

NHL insider David Pagnotta reports that the Philadelphia Flyers are interested in re-signing their former netminder.

From Pagnotta:

"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."

Wow... color me surprised.

What I can't figure out is why Hart would want to return to Philadelphia? You have to imagine that, with everything that has transpired in the past two years, that Hart would like a fresh start elsewhere in the NHL. Then again, maybe some familiarity is what he needs to get back to normal?

Thoughts, Flyers fans?