The path for the Edmonton Oilers to sign a potential solution in the crease is now clear. The NHL has lifted the restriction on the five players involved in the Hockey Canada trial to return to the ice.
In particular, netminder Carter Hart will be eligible to play as soon as December 1. Hart, who was accused of sexual assault, was acquitted earlier this summer in a Canadian court. Despite the not guilty verdict, the league banned Hart, along with the other players, from returning to NHL ice.
According to a report in The Athletic published on September 11, insider Chris Johnston revealed that Hart will be eligible to sign and play with any team in the league. That situation means the Edmonton Oilers could have a clear path to sign Hart.
Hart and the Oilers have been linked ever since Hart and the other players received a not guilt verdict. Edmonton clearly needs a starting goaltender, while Hart will be looking for a fresh start.
The Philadelphia Flyers, Hart’s draft team, are also in the mix. The Flyers need a goalie as well. However, Hart is an Alberta native and would make the most sense for the Oilers to potentially upgrade their current tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard.
Mixed Opinions about Carter Hart and Oilers
The chatter linking Hart to the Oilers has been the subject of a contested debate. Some fans feel the club would be better off without him. However, the prevailing talk has been for the Oilers to make a push to sign the 27-year-old.
A July 13 piece in the Edmonton Journal quoted the Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, who reportedly stated the Oilers were among the teams looking to bring in Carter Hart.
Pagnotta stated:
“Possibly, yeah. I know there were some reports kind of linking them to Carter Hart.”
However, notable Oilers insider Jason Gregor dismissed the notion, stating:
“Any report about the Oilers having interest in Carter Hart is incorrect. Edmonton will not be approaching him, even if he is found not guilty.”
That report was roughly two months ago. Things have changed since them. The Oilers are mired in the controversy regarding Connor McDavid contract extension. The talk is that McDavid is unsure about the Oilers’ path moving forward.
If that’s the case, the team will need to do something, anything, to prove to McDavid the club is looking to win.
Signing Carter Hart could be a great start, but it wouldn’t be the solution.
Edmonton Could Strike Gold with Hart
Carter Hart would be a major question mark at this point. There’s no telling what he could bring to the table after being away from the game for nearly two seasons. While some reports suggest Hart is in good shape, teams won’t know how good he is until they see him in action.
As such, the Oilers would be taking a risk on Hart. But then again, Edmonton could strike gold with Hart. He figures to be someone with a chip on his shoulder. Since he might feel he has something to prove, he could turn into the solution the club has been looking for in the crease.
That might be wishful thinking. But at this point, Hart and the Oilers could be willing to try anything.
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