NHL Rumors: Latest on Hart, Hellebuyck, Gibson trade possibilities

As trade rumors circulate throughout the NHL offseason, three goaltenders have come up in many conversations.

Three goalies highlighted in NHL rumors throughout this offseason are Carter Hart, Connor Hellebuyck, and John Gibson. While none of them are on the move yet, they’ve each been linked to different teams who are interested in them.

The Philadelphia Flyers have a big decision to make on whether to trade Hart. Hellebuyck has been one of the most talked about trade candidates of the offseason, but it now seems he may not be on the move from Winnipeg after all. Gibson is an interesting case, particularly because reports came out that he had requested a trade from Anaheim, which was then denied by his agent.

Where do things stand with these goalies now? Here’s the latest on possible trades of Hart, Hellebuyck, and Gibson.

NHL Rumors: What will the Flyers do with Carter Hart?

The Philadelphia Flyers are in rebuild mode. Looking toward the future, they have to decide what their plan is for Carter Hart. Will the Flyers keep their strong goalie or will they trade him away for what would likely be a big return? Hart has an injury history which could be a factor. Back in May, GM Daniel Briere said on 94.1 WIP,  “Most likely, Carter will be our goalie for the future, but I’m not in a position to turn down anything.”

While the Flyers seemed open to conversations about moving Hart in May, they weren’t shopping him around. Where do things stand now? He’s recently been linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who could be working on making room for him. The Leafs were unable to get a deal done with goalie Ilya Samsonov, so they went to arbitration, meaning he will only be signed for one year. Hart has also been linked to the San Jose Sharks.

While the Flyers have a decision to make, Hart will have one to make, as well, if he’s not traded. Would he like to be a part of the Flyers’ future even though it will be a while before they are a strong team? Hart had a .907 SV% and a 2.94 GAA during the 2022-23 season, which is impressive considering the team he was playing behind. He’s heading into his age 25 season. Hart is an anticipated RFA with arbitration rights in the 2024 offseason.

It’s a matter of if Hart is interested in sticking around past the 2024-25 season, as he’s eligible to become a UFA afterwards. Will the Flyers decide to deal Hart? Or is he their franchise goalie of the future? Flyers fans are hoping the talented Hart stays.