The rumors around the league are getting louder, and they’re all asking the same question: where will Carter Hart play next? After the NHL’s ruling set a December 1st return-to-play date for the free agent goaltender, the speculation has hit a fever pitch. While the Philadelphia Flyers have officially closed the door by not issuing a qualifying offer, and my sources confirm the hometown Edmonton Oilers have made it clear they are not interested, the field of potential suitors is more complex than many believe.
We can confirm several teams are doing their due diligence, looking to see if Hart can be the high-risk, high-reward piece that shores up their crease for years to come. The obvious contenders are there, but a few dark horses are lurking, ready to make a move that could surprise everyone. Let’s break down the real possibilities.
Analyzing the Top Carter Hart Landing Spots
The team name that comes up most frequently in league circles is the Carolina Hurricanes. They’ve been connected to Hart, and from a pure hockey perspective, it makes some sense. They are a contender who could be looking for an upgrade or at least a new dynamic in their goaltending tandem. However, the question remains whether Hart, after a long layoff, is a definitive needle-mover for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations. It’s a gamble, and one that Don Waddell and his team will be weighing carefully.
Then you have the teams with more pronounced uncertainty in goal. I’m told the Utah Mammoth is a team that makes a world of sense. They need to build an identity and acquire assets with high upside. Hart fits that bill perfectly—a young, once-elite prospect looking for a fresh start where he can be the undisputed number one. Similarly, the Vegas Golden Knights are in an interesting position. With their current goaltending situation, bringing in Hart could be a savvy long-term play, giving them a potential cornerstone for the future as they look to re-tool for another Cup run.
The Predators: A Dark Horse in the Race?
But the team I’m keeping a close eye on, one that I haven’t been able to rule out, is the Nashville Predators. On the surface, it seems unlikely with Juuse Saros holding the top spot. However, after a tough season for Saros, you have to wonder what Barry Trotz’s long-term vision is for the Nashville net. Could they see Hart as a future #1 or the perfect 1B to push Saros? It’s an intriguing thought and a situation worth monitoring as we get closer to the signing window. Hart’s next contract will be one of the most fascinating storylines to follow, and his destination will undoubtedly have a ripple effect across the league.
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The post Where Will Carter Hart Sign? Analyzing the Top 3 Suitors and a Dark Horse appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
