The Carter Hart saga is nearing its conclusion, and the final destination is becoming clearer with each passing day. According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, Hart is expected to agree to a new two or three-year deal around October 1st. While the contract can’t be officially filed until October 15th, the writing is on the wall: Hart is returning to the NHL. But the real story isn’t just that he’s signing—it’s where he’s all but guaranteed to land, and why one specific American city makes more sense than any other.
Following his acquittal on sexual assault charges, Hart is understandably seeking a complete fresh start, which immediately took his former club, the Philadelphia Flyers, out of the equation. Further reports that he is exclusively looking to sign with an American team also put an end to the persistent rumors linking him to the Edmonton Oilers. From my perspective, when you connect the dots of what Hart needs both personally and professionally, the path leads directly to Ohio.
A Perfect Storm in a Quiet Market
The most logical destination for Carter Hart is, without a doubt, the Columbus Blue Jackets. It’s a symbiotic fit. The Blue Jackets are a team desperate for a legitimate, number-one goaltender to stabilize the crease and help them make a genuine playoff push. Elvis Merzlikins has been inconsistent, and adding a motivated goalie of Hart’s caliber—who, let’s not forget, was once considered a franchise cornerstone—could be the single biggest upgrade they make this offseason.
For Hart, the benefits are even more significant. Columbus is a quiet, non-traditional hockey market. The media scrutiny he would face there pales in comparison to what he’d endure in a Canadian city or a major American hub. This environment would allow him to reacclimate to the league, focus solely on his performance on the ice, and rebuild his career away from the intense glare of the spotlight. He needs a place where he can get meaningful starts for a team with playoff aspirations, and the Blue Jackets check every single box. It’s a move that just makes too much sense for both sides to ignore.
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