3 Reаsons Wһy tһe Flyers Sһould Trаde Hаrt

The Philadelphia Flyers have three main reasons to move on from goaltender Carter Hart.

The Philadelphia Flyers are one of the most unique teams in the NHL right now. They sit in second place in the Metropolitan Division with 40 points. That also puts them tphird in the Eastern Conference.

Conversely, the team is also in a rebuild. They are not a team that will contend for the Stanley Cup. These factors play in to any potential trade they make with other teams.

One player they should seriously consider moving on from is Carter Hart. He's young, having a great season, but his next contract might not fit the Flyers and their plans for the next few years.

Here are the three reasons why I would consider trading Hart if I was the Flyers.

Hart is Still Young

Hart is only 25-years old and has five years of NHL experience already. He's seen highs and lows already and has just entered his prime. With a few exceptions, goaltenders tend to see a drop off in statistical performance once they hit age 28.

 

He will have value to many playoff teams. That will incentivize teams up give up more assets for him. He still has two-to-three seasons of prime goaltending years left. Will the Flyers be competing for a Stanley Cup then? Not likely. But a playoff team looking to add goaltending to their team should strongly consider adding a player like Hart to their team.

Hart is in His Prime

John Tortorella has made a massive impact on Hart's game. With the defense playing in a more structured way it allows Hart to anticipate plays better.

He's been steadily improving since 2020-21, his career worst season. In 27 games he had 9-11-5 record to go along with a 3.67 goals against average (GAA) and a .877 save percentage (SV%).

 

So far in 2023-24 he has a 9-6-2 record. He's collected a 2.62 GAA and a .913 SV%. If he can stay healthy for the rest of the season he has the runway to have a career best season.

Hart's Next Contract Isn't Worth It For a Rebuilding Team

Hart is in the final year of a three-year deal with a $3.979-million cap hit, after which he will become a restricted free agent (RFA). His base salary this season is actually $4.479-million, which will be his qualifying offer in the summer. 

Is it in the Flyers best interest to re-sign Hart for almost $5-million a year?

The Flyers have seven other expiring NHL contracts to take a look at in addition to Hart - with only $1.211-million in cap space right now. Decisions need to be made on the direction of the Flyers and if Hart is part of the plan.

It might make more sense for the team to acquire a goalie who is between 20-23 years old. Then they would reach their prime in four to seven years, which would be more in line with the Flyers time table to be a consistent playoff team and potential Stanley Cup Contender.