Photo Credit: Chase Agnello-Dean/NHLI via Getty Images
Over the last three seasons, Carter Hart has been the Flyers number one option between the pipes. What an erratic three seasons it’s been. He went from a future Vezina winning prospect to getting claims of being overrated in the blink of an eye. This upcoming season will most likely be a make or break for the young netminder. Let’s take a dive into the future of Carter Hart.
After being drafted 48th overall in the 2016 entry draft, Hart was slated as the next big thing for Philadelphia; and for good reason. He was lights out for the Everett Silvertips, Hart took over in Lehigh Valley, and shortly after, made the accent to the NHL. He showed great promise in his first half season, as well as the following season. In his first full season, Hart led the Flyers to a 41-21-7 record before the season was halted by the Covid-19 pandemic. This was the upside of Hart’s short career.
With his success between 2018-2020, Hart took a decline in the 2020-21 season. While many people blame him, the entire team fell off. Whether it be injuries, positive covid tests, or flat out poor play, the Flyers were abysmal. Hart’s GAA skyrocketed from a 2.42 in 2019-20 to a 3.67 the following season. What people forget is, Hart had dealt with an MCL sprain in his knee, as well. It was definitely the lowest point for this young goaltender.
This past season was an improvement from the covid-shortened season a year prior. He posted a 3.19 GAA and a .905 save percentage. Not fantastic, but an improvement, nonetheless. Hart did, in fact, struggle with another MCL sprain in his left knee, which would wind up ending his season. So there were variables to him not being at his best.
So now, as we inch closer to the 2022-23 season, we need to sit back and ask ourselves, “Are we going to be getting the best version of Carter Hart?” That’s really what it comes down to. When he’s on his game and healthy, he’s up there with guys like Marc-Andre Fleury and Juuse Saros. Not the elite, but good enough to take you to the playoffs and maybe even the Stanley Cup.
It’s not all on Hart though. He needs a strong season out of his defense, who have been on a major decline since losing vet Matt Niskanen. With the addition of Tony DeAngelo and the tentative return of Ryan Ellis, the D core could be in good hands. Hopefully they stay healthy.
Speaking of healthy, the medical staff is the biggest factor in Carter’s season. He’s been injured in every season to date. It’s no secret that the Flyers medical staff is one of the worst in the NHL, so there is very little faith in them from fans. This year could be huge for them. If they can keep the injuries to a minimum and players healthy, the Flyers could have some success. Last season, the Flyers lost more than 500 total games due to injuries. Let’s see if they can drastically lower that number.
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Overall, we all know that Carter Hart is a goaltender the Flyers can rely on. When healthy, he can change the course of a season. If that’s all it comes down to, the medical staff needs to make him their top priority this season. If he can stay in shape, we could see an excellent Carter Hart for years to come.
