BREAKING: New Information Further Links Goalie Carter Hart to Edmonton Oilers in Potential Blockbuster Move
Here’s an in-depth look at the latest developments surrounding the explosive rumor linking goalie Carter Hart to the Edmonton Oilers—a story full of controversy, legal tension, and high-stakes hockey strategy.
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🚨 The Rumor Emerges
NHL insider Kevin Weekes, speaking on TSN’s Free Agent Frenzy on July 1, 2025, dropped the bombshell: the Oilers’ general manager Stan Bowman is “considering” a move for free-agent goalie Carter Hart—despite the ongoing legal case against him . Weekes suggested there’s “mutual interest,” which immediately escalated into headlines across major outlets .
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📍 Edmonton Connection Deepens
New information from The Hockey News via Chris Gosselin and Caleb Kerney adds an intriguing layer: Hart is an Edmonton native and reportedly close friends with current Oilers netminder Stuart Skinner . That local tie could be a key factor behind the reported interest.
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⚖️ Legal Cloud & Public Fallout
Hart remains embroiled in one of the most serious scandals to ever erupt in Hockey Canada history—the 2018 sexual assault allegations stemming from a World Junior Championship gala. He is one of five defendants, and a court verdict is expected by July 24, 2025 .
Signing him now—or even preparing to—would place the Oilers under intense scrutiny. Many see this as a huge PR risk, particularly in light of GM Bowman’s controversial hires in recent years .
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🗣️ Fan & Media Reactions
On Reddit, hockey fans have been vocal. Some suggest the report is premature, based solely on Weekes’s speculation:
> “this report is solely based on a tweet about Kevin Weekes speculating that Edmonton would be interested in Hart” .
Others note that Edmonton might be “floating” the rumor to test the waters:
> “Or Edmonton is floating the news via Weekes to gauge public reaction and weigh out risk/reward scenarios.” .
These fan reactions echo a broader skepticism and defense—reflecting a frenzied debate about whether an NHL team would seriously pursue Hart amid a legal saga.
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🧭 Strategic Landscape
Edmonton’s Goalie Gap
After back-to-back Finals losses, the Oilers desperately need more consistency in net. Veteran starter Stuart Skinner showed promise but remains unproven at the highest levels. Backup Calvin Pickard played reliably but isn’t seen as a long-term solution .
Age, Upside & Cap Fit
Hart, at 25, posted a career .906 save percentage and a 2.80 GAA in 25 starts during the 2023‑24 season with Philadelphia . Signed on a low-risk, short-term deal, he could compete aggressively for the starter role.
Risk vs. Reputation
The PR fallout, however, could be massive. The move would follow Bowman’s already controversial tenure—first hiring after Chicago’s Kyle Beach scandal, then now possibly adding a player embroiled in his own legal crisis .
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⏳ What’s Next?
July 24 verdict: The upcoming court decision is pivotal. A not-guilty finding frees NHL movement, but the league may still impose discipline.
Oilers’ official stance: To date, no confirmation has come from Edmonton’s camp.
Market alternatives: With a thin goalie market, the Oilers have also shown interest in veterans like Marc-André Fleury—though he’s leaning toward retirement .
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📝 Final Take
This rumored link speaks volumes about the current goalie crunch and the Oilers’ desperation to fill the crease before Cup contention resumes. On paper, Hart offers youth and upside at bargain cost. But the optics—legal troubles, public trust, Bowman’s own history—present a combustible mix.
Until mid‑July, it’s a speculative poker game: the Oilers may be signaling interest, testing public reaction, and preparing contingency plans. Whether they’ll actually deal a contract, however, hinges on more than just on‑ice needs—it’s about ethics, reputation, and timing.
Let’s circle back on July 25 once the verdict and any league decision come through. That will likely seal whether this rumor shifts from headline-grabbing gossip to a reality shaping the 2025‑26 NHL season.