REPORT: NHL Insider Kevin Weekes Speculates Edmonton Oilers Could Be Interested in Signing Controversial Goaltender Carter Hart Soon

The goaltending situation in Edmonton continues to be one of the most talked-about storylines in hockey circles, and a recent report from one of the NHL’s most trusted insiders has poured gasoline on the fire. Kevin Weekes, former NHL goaltender turned respected analyst, has speculated that the Edmonton Oilers could be among the teams interested in signing goaltender Carter Hart, pending the outcome of Hart’s legal situation.

Weekes made the remarks during a recent segment on NHL Network, where he discussed the crowded and competitive goaltending market this summer. While much of the attention has centered around proven veterans like Juuse Saros, John Gibson, and Linus Ullmark, Weekes shifted the spotlight to the uncertain future of Carter Hart, the former Philadelphia Flyers netminder whose career has been on pause due to off-ice legal matters.

According to Weekes, several teams have quietly monitored Hart’s situation, with the Oilers emerging as a logical suitor if and when the 25-year-old is cleared to return to NHL action. For Edmonton, whose Stanley Cup window remains wide open after a second consecutive trip to the Western Conference Final, the possibility of landing a young, talented goaltender with Hart’s pedigree could be too tempting to ignore.

“Don’t be surprised if the Edmonton Oilers are one of those teams doing their homework on Carter Hart,” Weekes said during the broadcast. “We know they’re all-in on winning now, and as good as Stuart Skinner has been, adding competition in the crease or solidifying that position long term could be the missing piece.”

Hart, a former second-round pick by the Flyers, was once regarded as the franchise’s long-awaited solution in goal. He burst onto the scene during the 2018-19 season and quickly made a name for himself with poise beyond his years and impressive athleticism. At his best, Hart demonstrated the ability to steal games and provide stability to a position that had long plagued Philadelphia.

However, the last two years have been marred by inconsistency on the ice and controversy off it. Hart was among several former Canadian World Junior players implicated in an ongoing investigation into alleged incidents stemming from the 2018 World Junior Championship. In January 2024, Hart took an indefinite leave of absence from the Flyers to “focus on personal matters,” according to the team.

Since then, speculation about Hart’s future has swirled, with NHL executives divided on whether he will return to professional hockey and, if so, when. League sources indicate that Hart’s legal process remains ongoing, but depending on the resolution, teams like Edmonton could pounce at the opportunity to acquire him.

For the Oilers, it’s no secret that goaltending has been both a strength and an Achilles heel during their recent playoff runs. Stuart Skinner has emerged as a dependable starter and was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy last season. Still, his postseason performances have been inconsistent, leading to calls for general manager Ken Holland—or his eventual successor—to explore upgrades or additional depth in goal.

The addition of Carter Hart, assuming his legal matters are resolved favorably, would present both opportunity and risk for Edmonton. On one hand, Hart remains young with untapped potential and already has over 200 NHL starts under his belt. His best years could align perfectly with Edmonton’s championship aspirations, especially with superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl entering the prime of their careers.

On the other hand, the Oilers must weigh the optics and locker room dynamics of bringing in a player whose reputation has been clouded by controversy. The organization has made culture and character pillars of their team-building process, and any acquisition involving Hart would be heavily scrutinized by fans, media, and stakeholders alike.

“Teams have to tread carefully with situations like this,” Weekes acknowledged. “But if Hart is cleared and available, his talent speaks for itself. Edmonton, being so close to winning it all, could see this as a calculated risk worth taking.”

Financially, adding Hart could be manageable for Edmonton. Given his absence from play and pending legal situation, he is unlikely to command top-dollar or term on his next contract, potentially opening the door for a short-term, incentive-laden deal that benefits both player and team.

Moreover, the Oilers have shown a willingness to be aggressive in the goaltending market in the past. Last offseason, they reportedly explored trade talks involving Connor Hellebuyck and were among the finalists for veteran netminder Marc-Andre Fleury at the 2023 deadline. Though those deals never materialized, the intent was clear: Edmonton’s front office knows stable, elite goaltending could be the difference between deep playoff runs and hoisting the Stanley Cup.

Carter Hart’s uncertain status adds a unique wrinkle to those ambitions. If cleared and signed, he could form a formidable tandem with Skinner or even push for the starting job outright, depending on performance. For Hart, Edmonton offers a fresh start in a passionate hockey market with championship expectations—a scenario that could help revive his career and reputation, provided the legal hurdles are cleared.

As for the timing, Weekes suggested that clarity around Hart’s future could emerge later this summer or early fall, aligning with the start of NHL training camps. Until then, speculation will likely persist, especially with Edmonton fans eager for any move that enhances the team’s Stanley Cup hopes.

Already this offseason, the Oilers have made headlines with bold moves, including extending captain Connor McDavid to a lucrative six-year deal and reuniting with franchise icon Glen Sather in a senior advisory role. Adding Carter Hart to that mix would undoubtedly dominate the NHL news cycle and spark fierce debate across the hockey world.

For now, Weekes’ comments serve as both a reminder and a warning: the Oilers are not done tinkering with their roster, and goaltending remains a focal point of those efforts. Whether that results in Carter Hart donning the blue and orange remains to be seen, but the speculation is gaining traction—and in the world of NHL rumors, where there’s smoke, there’s often fire.

As the summer unfolds, all eyes will be on Edmonton’s front office, Hart’s legal proceedings, and the ever-evolving goaltending carousel that could reshape the Stanley Cup race for years to come.