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Carter Hart Expected to Sign With American Team: Could Pittsburgh be in Play?
Photo credit: Edge of Philly Sports Network
Per a report from analyst Chris Johnston of The Athletic, former Philadelphia Flyers goalie Carter Hart will likely have to sign with an American team if he wants to continue his NHL career.
Former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart was one of a handful of players reinstated by the NHL today; they'll be eligible to sign with a team soon, and will be allowed to begin play in December.
Per analyst Chris Johnston of The Athletic, Hart is unlikely to find work with any Canadian-based NHL team and will likely have to look for a chance south of the Canadian border.
Hart is looking for a fresh start, which effectively rules out a return to Philadelphia. He's also almost certainly going to land with a U.S.-based team, per league sources. That invalidates any notion of the Sherwood Park, Alta., native landing with his hometown Edmonton Oilers - a popular speculative home among some media and fans, but in reality not a good fit on either side of the equation.
How about the Penguins?
The Penguins' goaltending situation remains one of their weak points. Tristan Jarry is back to being the de facto starter on the club after the trade of Alex Nedeljkovic to the San Jose Sharks, and he'll also face competition in training camp from Joel Blomqvist and Sergei Murashov.
Hart would represent an upgrade over Jarry, and likely wouldn't be very expensive. Depending on how the Penguins choose to navigate the PR situation that would almost certainly follow, Hart could join the club on a "prove-it" style contract that would be low risk, high reward.
It will be an option that Dubas will have to consider, especially if he doesn't feel confident with Jarry once again being given a chance at the starter's role.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 12 | 41 ANSWERS Carter Hart Expected to Sign With American Team: Could Pittsburgh be in Play? Do you want the Penguins to give a chance to Carter Hart? | ||
| Yes | 23 | 56.1 % |
| No | 18 | 43.9 % |
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