Carter Hart seeks a new chapter away from Canada as Oilers remain steadfast with Skinner
The Edmonton Oilers appear to be moving on from the possibility of signing goaltender Carter Hart, who has been at the center of controversy since being charged with sexual assault alongside four other NHL players in January 2024. The charges stemmed from an alleged incident in June 2018 during a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario, where the players were celebrating their world junior gold medal victory. After a lengthy court battle, all five players were acquitted, clearing the way for their return to the NHL by December 1.
With Hart now eligible to resume his career, speculation about his future has intensified. Originally from Alberta, he has drawn interest from the Oilers, but NHL insider Chris Johnston reports that Hart is unlikely to make a return to his home province or the Philadelphia Flyers.
Hart’s Transition and Future Aspirations
Johnston notes that Hart is focused on securing a contract by October 1, although it won’t be officially registered until October 15. His priorities include finding a team that offers a significant number of starts and a genuine chance to compete for wins. The quest for a “fresh start” effectively rules out a reunion with the Flyers, pushing Hart toward a U.S.-based team.
“Per league sources, Hart is expected to sign with a team that can provide him with ample playing opportunities,” Johnston reported. “He’s looking for a fresh start, which means returning to Philadelphia is unlikely,” he added. This situation dispels the notion that Hart might join the Oilers, an idea that has garnered some traction among fans and media but is ultimately deemed an ill-suited match.
Drafted 48th overall by the Flyers in 2016, Hart hopes to make a successful comeback after not having played since January 2024. He is expected to begin the season with a short stint in the AHL to regain his form. Johnston indicates that Hart is likely to sign a short-term deal to demonstrate his capabilities as a starting goalie in the NHL.
Preparing for a Comeback
Once Hart selects his new team, he is anticipated to sign a two- or three-year contract, allowing for the potential of an extension by the summer of 2026 if both parties find it a good fit. In the interim, Hart is focused on honing his skills to return to NHL competition. The reinstatement terms grant him a month to practice with his new team—from October 15 to November 15—before he is eligible for conditioning assignments in the AHL. Johnston suggests that Hart will likely start a few games at the AHL level before re-entering the NHL in early December.
Throughout his career, Hart has posted a record of 96 wins, 93 losses, and 29 overtime losses, alongside a 2.94 goals against average (GAA) and a .906 save percentage (SV%).
Oilers’ Commitment to Stuart Skinner
As Hart’s future remains uncertain, the Oilers are committed to their current goaltender, Stuart Skinner. Skinner has taken the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, though his performance has been inconsistent at times. Edmonton’s general manager, Stan Bowman, expressed confidence in Skinner, emphasizing the importance of consistency in his game.
“Sometimes change is good. A different perspective can unlock certain players, and we’re optimistic that Stuart can take that next step,” Bowman stated. “He’s still young in terms of his career and is entering his prime years. He has shown he can make big saves and win crucial games for us.”
Skinner is in the final year of his three-year, $7.8 million contract and will look to build on last season’s playoff performance as the Oilers navigate the upcoming NHL season without the addition of Hart.
