Contingent plan of action exposed to get Carter Hart back in the NHL

The path back to the NHL for goaltender Carter Hart is beginning to take shape, and it’s generating a mix of speculation and uproar. Last month, Hart, along with Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton, were all found Not Guilty in the 2018 World Juniors sexual assault case. With the legal proceedings concluded, questions have turned to how and where the players, and Hart in particular, might resume their professional careers.

Hart, a highly touted netminder drafted in the second round by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2016, reportedly continues to draw interest from multiple NHL teams. NHLPA head Marty Walsh has emphasized that the players have a right to return to work and that the union will coordinate with the league to ensure proper reinstatement. Meanwhile, some activist groups remain active behind the scenes, advocating for continued suspension of the players.

According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, the Flyers are among the teams reportedly interested in re-signing Hart.

“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,” Pagnotta noted.

Jonathan Bailey of the Hockey News has shared that, for Hart, the wisest route might be to regain game form in the AHL without committing to a long-term NHL contract immediately. This approach could allow him to ease back into competition, and perhaps limit controversy.

A potential return for Hart presents an interesting scenario for the Flyers. The organization has already added Dan Vladar to a roster that features Sam Ersson and Ivan Fedotov, while prospects Carson Bjarnason and Aleksei Kolosov are expected to join the professional ranks. Integrating Hart into this goaltending depth chart would require careful planning from the coaching staff.

Hart’s history with the Flyers speaks to his potential impact. He made 25 starts in the 2023–24 season before stepping away to handle larger personal matters and has accumulated 227 total games for the franchise, including 218 starts.

The organization and its fans will be watching closely to see how, and if, Hart can re-establish himself between the pipes ahead of training camp.

How would you feel if the Flyers brought back Carter Hart? Leave your reaction in the comments.