Carter Hart linked not just to the Leafs, but to a pair of their most bitter rivals as well
Stories surrounding Carter Hart need to be prefaced with the notion that the Philadelphia Flyers are by no means close to finalizing a deal, however they are listening to what other teams are willing to offer. Per trusted Insider Elliotte Friedman, a Hart deal may be one that will happen closer to the draft.
Hart's name is going to circulate like hot cakes because he's a young goaltender, carries a very low cap hit right now, is going to be an RFA in a year, and has done considerably well for a very bad team. There are also several teams that believe they are a goaltender away from contention or would do anything to get their hands on soon-to-be 25-year-old.
The Edmonton Oilers are always in the hunt for goaltending even after the rookie season from Stuart Skinner. Skinner struggled mightily in the post-season and Jack Campbell didn't have the season anyone envisioned from him after signing a 5-year deal. It also helps that Hart is an Edmonton-native.
The Ottawa Senators have entered the chat as well. Their offense was on point this season, their defense was okay, but their goaltending let them down time and time again. Trading Filip Gustavsson for Cam Talbot looks like a terrible deal in hindsight and for that reason they have been circulating the Flyers situation.
The Toronto Maple Leafs just seem to be magnetized to any potential stars and after the Matt Murray debacle, many believe it's time to hitch their wagon to Carter Hart. With Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll most likely patrolling the crease, there isn't much of a need for them to dole out precious assets for another goaltender, however Hart has a lot more experience under his belt and could do wonders in a different city and playing behind a contender.
And of course now the Montreal Canadiens have entered the supposed-sweepstakes. Carey Price is most likely never tending the twine again, Jake Allen and Samuel Montembeault don't seem like future goaltenders to make a difference in Montreal, and the jury is still out on Cayden Primeau. They have the prospects and picks to pull off a deal for Hart - who was compared to Carey Price a lot during his first few seasons - and could possibly form the best package out of all the teams interested.
The Flyers are going to want a king's ransom and what works best for them is that they're not in a rush to force a deal either. They can run with Hart for another season if they see fit and qualify him as an RFA - maybe even sign him to a short-term deal - and still be able to deal him a year from now for a similar package that they're looking for right now.
However there's a bidding war on it's way for Hart and Daniel Briere is going to sit back and watch as plenty of teams desperately try to free the goaltender away from the shoddy defense of Philadelphia.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 7 | 442 ANSWERS Carter Hart linked not just to the Leafs, but to a pair of their most bitter rivals as well Where will Carter Hart land this summer? | ||
| Montreal | 77 | 17.4 % |
| Toronto | 139 | 31.4 % |
| Ottawa | 73 | 16.5 % |
| Other (or remain in Philly) | 153 | 34.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
