Philadelphia Flyers’ GM Danny Briere revealed on Tuesday that Carter Hart’s agent informed the team that the goaltender has decided against signing with the franchise upon his NHL eligibility next month. Hart, hailing from Sherwood Park, Alta., was among five players cleared of sexual assault charges from a 2018 incident during their time on Canada’s world junior team. The NHL reinstated the players, allowing them to sign contracts starting Oct. 15 and participate in games from Dec. 1.
The NHL’s ruling followed the court’s acquittal of Hart, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton in London, Ont., about seven weeks earlier. The Canadian government declined to appeal the verdict, informing the players’ lawyers last month. Briere confirmed that a reunion with Hart is off the table based on discussions with his representative, Judd Moldaver, who indicated that Hart is seeking a fresh start due to recent events.
Hart was once seen as the Flyers’ future goaltender, amassing 96 wins and six shutouts before his career was interrupted in January 2024 by the legal accusations. None of the players held current contracts and are now unrestricted free agents. McLeod and Foote were part of New Jersey, Dube with Calgary, and Formenton was playing in Europe; their respective teams let their contracts expire following the legal proceedings.