Amid Goalie Uncertainty, Edmonton Oilers Intensify Pursuit of Carter Hart as Trade Talks Gain New Momentum and Complexity
As the NHL offseason churns forward and teams begin to shape their rosters for the upcoming season, few storylines have generated more intrigue than the persistent speculation linking Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart to the Edmonton Oilers. What began as a murmur has now developed into an ongoing narrative with multiple layers — ranging from hockey logistics to legal concerns, locker room dynamics, and the long-term direction of two vastly different franchises.
The Edmonton Oilers, having fallen short once again in their Stanley Cup pursuit, are under pressure to make meaningful changes. Despite a potent offense led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, goaltending has remained a sore point, especially in key postseason moments. Stuart Skinner, though capable, has yet to firmly establish himself as a postseason-caliber netminder. Meanwhile, veteran Jack Campbell has not lived up to his hefty contract and is now widely considered expendable.
Enter Carter Hart, a 25-year-old former World Junior star with high upside, who has long been seen as a possible franchise goaltender. However, his situation in Philadelphia has grown increasingly complex. After another rebuilding year, the Flyers are clearly resetting under GM Daniel Brière and head coach John Tortorella. With Hart entering the final year of his contract, and the team fully embracing a youth movement, many believe a fresh start is inevitable. Yet, this potential transaction is unlike any other — entangled not only in hockey considerations but legal ones as well.
In January 2024, Hart was one of five players charged in connection with an investigation into an alleged sexual assault that took place during a 2018 Hockey Canada event in London, Ontario. While Hart has maintained his innocence and has not been convicted of any crime, the legal process remains ongoing and has cast a long shadow over his career. For any team considering acquiring Hart, especially a high-profile club like Edmonton, the move is as much a public relations decision as it is a hockey transaction.
Despite the uncertainty, Edmonton remains one of the few teams with both the need and the incentive to pursue Hart aggressively. League sources have indicated that Oilers GM Jeff Jackson has been quietly but steadily engaging the Flyers in exploratory conversations about Hart’s availability. While no deal is imminent, momentum appears to be building, particularly in light of Philadelphia’s desire to accumulate assets and further clear cap space.
Multiple layers are in play here. First and foremost, the Oilers must determine whether Hart represents a significant enough upgrade over Skinner to justify the cost — both in terms of assets and optics. Second, they must tread carefully regarding the legal uncertainty surrounding Hart’s situation. Though teams have taken on players with reputational baggage in the past, the Hart case is particularly sensitive, especially given the ongoing public scrutiny of Hockey Canada’s handling of the matter.
Adding to the drama, insiders report that the Flyers have already begun internally preparing for a post-Hart future. Young goaltender Samuel Ersson showed flashes of promise last season and is expected to take on a larger role. Meanwhile, prospects like Alexei Kolosov are being groomed for the NHL, making Hart increasingly expendable from a developmental standpoint.
In terms of trade framework, the Flyers are believed to be seeking a young NHL-ready player, a top prospect, and potentially a draft pick — though that asking price may fluctuate based on Hart’s legal clarity. For the Oilers, that could mean parting with a promising forward like Dylan Holloway, or possibly defenseman Philip Broberg, along with one of their better prospects and a second- or third-round draft pick. Given Edmonton’s tight cap situation, any deal would likely require the Flyers to retain some of Hart’s salary or take on a contract like Campbell’s, adding another twist to the talks.
If the Oilers are indeed serious about making a deep playoff run, acquiring a player like Hart could represent the kind of bold, transformative move they need. Despite the off-ice concerns, Hart’s talent is undeniable. At his best, he has demonstrated elite reflexes, calmness under pressure, and the ability to steal games — precisely what Edmonton has lacked between the pipes in recent postseasons.
Some observers have compared the potential deal to Edmonton’s acquisition of Dwayne Roloson in 2006, a midseason move that helped carry the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final. Others see shades of the Oilers’ past missteps, such as banking too heavily on a goalie with unresolved baggage, as was the case with Mikko Koskinen’s inconsistent tenure.
The Oilers also must consider their locker room chemistry and leadership group. While McDavid and Draisaitl have kept their thoughts mostly in-house, reports indicate that both superstars are growing restless with annual postseason exits. Hart could represent the kind of high-reward move that signals the front office’s commitment to winning now — an important message for two franchise cornerstones who will soon be making career-defining contract decisions.
Complicating matters further is the legal timeline surrounding Hart. Until there’s some degree of clarity, teams are likely to proceed cautiously. That said, multiple league executives have privately noted that Hart’s camp is optimistic about a resolution that will not involve significant long-term repercussions. Whether that confidence proves warranted remains to be seen, but it appears to be enough to keep trade talks active behind the scenes.
From the Flyers’ perspective, this is an opportunity to accelerate their rebuild. They’ve already moved on from other core players, and Hart is one of the last remaining pieces from the previous regime. By flipping him for multiple assets, Philadelphia can continue stockpiling talent and positioning itself for long-term success. Flyers fans, while emotionally attached to Hart’s potential, appear to have accepted that a breakup is likely and perhaps even necessary given the larger context.
It’s also worth noting that Hart’s potential move could set off a domino effect around the league. Other goalie-needy teams — such as the Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils, and Los Angeles Kings — are also monitoring the situation. A successful deal between Edmonton and Philadelphia could set the market for other goaltending trades, especially with names like Juuse Saros and John Gibson also potentially available.
Still, all eyes remain on Edmonton. The Oilers, for all their offensive firepower, are acutely aware that Stanley Cups are often won with goaltending. Hart, despite the fog surrounding him, represents perhaps the highest-upside target on the market. For a franchise trying to capitalize on a rapidly closing window, the risk might just be worth the reward.
Of course, nothing is certain. The legal process could drag on, souring the momentum. The Flyers could get cold feet or decide to wait for better offers. The Oilers might explore safer options in the trade or free agent market. But as of now, the buzz is growing, and the speculation is no longer idle — it’s rooted in real, evolving discussions that could come to a head before the start of the 2025-26 season.
As the layers continue to unfold, it’s clear that Carter Hart to Edmonton is no longer just a rumor — it’s a possibility that both excites and unsettles. For the Oilers, it could be the move that finally answers their goaltending riddle. For the Flyers, it could mark the end of an era and the start of something new. And for the rest of the NHL, it’s a situation worth watching — because its outcome could ripple across the league in unexpected ways.
