Overview

• TSN/The Athletic’s Chris Johnston reports Hart is targeting a handshake agreement by Oct. 1, with any deal not registerable until Oct. 15.
• Hart is seeking a fresh start in the United States, effectively taking Philadelphia and Edmonton out of contention, per league sources.
• He is expected to secure a two- or three-year contract and log a brief AHL conditioning stint in November before an NHL return in early December.
• The 27-year-old last played in January 2024 and is prioritizing a team that offers meaningful starts and a chance to win, according to reporting.
• With Hart unlikely for Edmonton, GM Stan Bowman says the Oilers will proceed with Stuart Skinner as starter, while potential fits discussed include Carolina, Columbus, Buffalo, Vegas, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Utah and Seattle.