Carter Hart to The Edmonton Oilers? Why it makes sense

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Skyler Walker
July 13, 2023 (9:24 PM)

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Ken Holland has tried to piece together the best squad after losing the 2nd round of the Western Conference playoffs last season. This season, the second round was also their losing point.

Unfortunately, it looks like Jack Campbell wasn't the answer, as well as inconsistent performances from Stuart Skinner. But there's an Edmonton local who would be a great pickup, and he is Stuart Skinner's best friend in real life.

The Philadelphia Flyers are in the process of blowing it all up, after interim GM Daniel Briere didn't shy away from the idea of trading Carter Hart:

Briere added, "Now, I'm not in a position to turn down anything. If there's teams calling about him, we have to listen. That's my job as a general manager, I have to listen. I have to do what is best for the team and the organization. In saying that, I expect Carter Hart to be our goalie for many years to come."

They are willing to move goaltender Carter Hart for the right price, according to a recent report from Elliotte Friedman. The now 24-year-old was viewed as the league's most promising young netminder just a few short years ago but has struggled to develop into the star most had envisioned to this point. (from �Sam Carchidi: Rookie Carter Hart alters Philadelphia Flyers' goaltending outlook,' Toronto Star, 12/22/18).

Carter Hart would be a good value option for Edmonton as his cap hit is affordable at $3.9 million and at the end of 2024, the Oilers would retain his RFA rights.

The two even went head to head in the WHL in 2018:

Stuart Skinner is also great friends with Carter as they've played hockey together since they were 13/14 years of age.

While Hart's had his struggles tending the twine behind the Flyers, the team assembled in front of him hasn't been the best either, so a change of scenery wouldn't be the worst option for him, should he hit the trade block.