The NHL and NHLPA have officially come to an agreement that will reinstate Carter Hart and the other four players from the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial that concluded in July. Per the agreement, the five players become eligible to sign with a new team starting October 15th. Each player will be suspended until December 1st.
That would mean that Hart, the former Flyers netminder, would become eligible to return between the pipes this December. However, it seems as if it won’t be for the Flyers.
The Athletic’s Chris Johnston reports that Hart is expected to find a new deal by October 1st. Johnston also reported that Hart is seeking a fresh start and is looking to play for a US-based club.
🚨Multiple NHL teams interested in Carter Hart as free agent. Expected to reach terms on 2-3 yr contract by Oct 1, can’t register til Oct 15. Priority is finding fresh start w/ chance to win & meaningful # of starts, likely a US-based club | @reporterchrishttps://t.co/YzobKDomUe
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) September 13, 2025
That would effectively take the Flyers and the Edmonton Oilers. Both teams were closely linked to Hart, out of the running for the goaltender’s services.
This makes tons of sense.
The Flyers have seemed to be incredibly loyal to and high on No. 1 goaltender Sam Ersson. They also added Dan Vladar in the offseason, giving them, at the very worst, a legitimate backup.
Johnston also said that he is getting the sense that there are teams that may choose not to pursue the goaltender based on “moral grounds”. Between the Flyers’ current tandem and the fact that Hart was with the team when this all began, I can very easily see the Flyers being one of those teams.
At this point, it feels pretty safe to say that there will not be a reunion between Carter Hart and the Philadelphia Flyers.
Read More: James: The Flyers “Patient Approach” is Running Out of Time
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