REPORT: Oilers Now Linked To Controversial Young

EDMONTON – The chaos of the NHL offseason is fully underway.

Following their second straight appearance in the Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers are now focused on identifying areas for improvement. In his postseason analysis, executive Stan Bowman pointed to two main priorities: upgrading their goaltending and improving depth among forwards. He emphasized the need to get “younger and faster” up front.

But that desire for youth might also apply to their goaltending situation.

It’s well known that the Oilers’ goaltending wasn’t at a top-tier level during the 2024-25 campaign. Now, reports suggest the team could have mutual interest in netminder Carter Hart.

NHL insider Kevin Weekes, who has strong ties in the goalie world, recently speculated that Edmonton may be eyeing Hart as a potential target.

However, there are major caveats. Hart is one of the players facing allegations in connection to the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault case. Any potential deal would depend on Hart being cleared of wrongdoing and completing whatever disciplinary measures the league enforces against those involved.

Opinion:
From a hockey standpoint, it’s easy to see why Edmonton might be linked to Hart. He’s a talented, young goaltender with local roots and a friendship with current Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner.

But bringing Hart in would be a public relations disaster. Hiring Stan Bowman was already controversial given his involvement in the Blackhawks’ handling of the Kyle Beach case. Signing a player facing sexual assault allegations—regardless of the legal outcome—would take that controversy to another level.

Hart hasn’t played since the 2023-24 season, where he appeared in 25 games and posted a 12-9-3 record with a 2.80 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. Over his career, he holds a 2.94 GAA and .906 SV% through 227 games.

Despite his on-ice ability, the Oilers should steer clear and explore other goaltending options.

For now, all of this remains speculation. We’ll see how things develop as the offseason progresses.