It’s October 2nd, which means former Flyers goaltender Carter Hart is free to sign his next NHL contract. We know it will not be in Philadelphia. For a while, it has seemed like a two-team race between Vegas and Carolina.
According to TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston, Hart is very close to signing his next contract. In Johnston’s words, the Vegas Golden Knights are “almost certain” to be the team Hart signs with.
Again, Hart is one of the five players from the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial who were acquitted by Justice Maria Carroccia on July 24th. He, alongside Michael McCleod, has been drawing NHL interest since being reinstated by the league.
Hart is now eligible to sign a contract, as it is October. It will not become official until October 15th. All five players are eligible to play in the NHL starting December 1st.
Hart spent six seasons in Philadelphia with a record of 96-93-29. He had a career 2.94 GAA and .906 SV% in his time in Philadelphia. The team made the playoffs once during Hart’s time with the Flyers, where he had a record of 9-5-0, a 2.23 GAA, and .926 SV%.
Assuming Johnston’s report remains accurate, and Hart does in fact sign in Las Vegas, he is set to make his return to Philadelphia on December 11th when the Golden Knights take on the Flyers at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
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