As the NHL preseason ramps up and every franchise begins to shape its roster for the battles ahead, one name stands out amid the uncertainty—Carter Hart. The 27-year-old goaltender, once seen as a future cornerstone between the pipes, now finds himself at a career crossroads, with his list of potential destinations shrinking by the day.

Rumors have swirled for weeks about where Hart might land, but recent revelations from respected insider Chris Johnston have thrown a new twist into the mix. With several teams reportedly out of contention, including some surprising omissions, Hart’s focus has shifted to just a handful of franchises, each with their own ambitions and challenges.

What’s driving Hart’s decision, and why are some organizations—like the Detroit Red Wings—no longer on his radar despite their need for reliable goaltending? Sources suggest that Hart’s priorities have shifted, with a clear pathway to playing time and a legitimate shot at team success now at the top of his list.

Which teams have made the final cut? What does this mean for the Red Wings and other hopeful suitors? The answers, filled with intrigue and unexpected turns, lie just ahead as we dive deeper into Hart’s high-stakes decision.

Carter Hart narrows his decision down to two teams

Photo credit: NHL.com

Goaltender Carter Hart’s options are slimming down as NHL preseason kicks off for every organization this week; his landing spots are shrinking by each day.

TSN’s Chris Johnston has revealed that several teams, including the Utah Mammoth, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, and others, are out on the 27-year-old goaltender.

Johnston has also chimed in on Monday in a recent report to reveal Hart’s personal preference options have been slimmed down.

Carter Hart’s options slimmed down to these two Stanley Cup contending teams

According to Johnston, the most attractive destinations in Hart’s current perspective are the Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, and one or two other teams ‘still in the mix.

“One week from becoming eligible to agree with a team on an NHL contract, free-agent goaltender Carter Hart has started to zero in on the most attractive options for where he might attempt to reboot his career.

Hart is down to a working number of suitors, with the Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights and one or two other teams among those still in the mix, according to league sources.”

– Chris Johnston, The Athletic

Hart would be a very solid backup option for the Red Wings’ crease, as we’ve discussed recently, but clearly the feelings are not mutual as he doesn’t view the Red Wings as a organization with long-term success ahead of them.

“Hart’s main priorities remain finding a landing spot that comes with a clear path to playing time on a team that’s set up for success.”

– Chris Johnston, The Athletic