The rumor mill was churning at full speed, and for a moment, it looked like the Edmonton Oilers were about to solve their biggest problem. When Carter Hart was found not guilty in the 2018 Hockey Canada trial, the path seemed clear: a young, talented, and suddenly available goaltender could be the final piece of the Stanley Cup puzzle for Connor McDavid and company. The chatter was deafening. It made perfect sense.
A Non-Starter in Edmonton
Then, the brakes screeched. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Oilers have no intention of pursuing Hart, calling the potential signing a “non-starter.” This news has, understandably, sent a shockwave through the Oilers fanbase, with many feeling the organization is fumbling a golden opportunity. From the outside, it’s easy to see their point. A 26-year-old goalie with Hart’s potential doesn’t become available every day, especially not as an unrestricted free agent.
So, what’s really going on behind the scenes? While the “not guilty” verdict clears Hart legally, the NHL has yet to reinstate him or the other four players involved, deeming them ineligible to return for now. This is a massive hurdle. Is Oilers GM Stan Bowman willing to bet on a player who might not even be cleared to play by the league? It’s a high-risk gamble. Beyond the official league stance, there’s the undeniable PR element. Signing Hart, regardless of the court’s decision, comes with baggage and a media storm that the Oilers’ front office may have simply decided they don’t want to navigate, especially with a team on the cusp of championship contention. It’s a calculated decision weighing on-ice potential against off-ice complications.
Was This the Right Move for the Oilers?
This is where the debate rages. For fans, the frustration is palpable. They see a clear upgrade in net being passed over. For the Oilers’ management, it’s a complex decision that goes beyond just stopping pucks. They are likely looking at other, less complicated options in the trade and free agency market.
While passing on Hart may feel like a missed opportunity now, the Oilers are signaling that they want to upgrade their goaltending without any added uncertainty. The Carter Hart chapter of Oiler rumors is closed, and now the team must find another answer to their most pressing question.
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The post The Door Slams Shut: Inside the Oilers’ Decision on Carter Hart appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
