Carter Hart: Elliotte Friedman mentions a few possible destinations (including Montreal)

Let’s just say that Daniel Brière wasted no time in putting his name on the map as NHL general manager.

Yesterday, he completed a major three-team deal, sending Ivan Provorov to Columbus. Within minutes of the trade, an NHL correspondent in Philly (Anthony Di Marco) tweeted that the Flyers were working on another deal, this time involving goaltender Carter Hart…

And let’s just say that the rumor machine was activated pretty quickly.

The whole thing has caused quite a stir in Montreal, because we’ve already seen the goalie’s name linked to that of the CH. Everyone’s wondering whether the Habs should be interested in his services even if they’re counting on Samuel Montembeault and Jake Allen, especially since Hart’s potential is still pretty high.

The subject was addressed by Elliotte Friedman in the latest episode of his 32 Thoughts podcast. Without saying it out loud, Friedman doesn’t really seem to believe in the chances of the Canadian goaltender landing in Montreal…

But he didn’t completely close the door on the idea.

At the same time, the Sportsnet tipster discussed other possible avenues for a potential deal.

He talks about Toronto, even though the Leafs will have to juggle Matt Murray if the organization completes the trade… Because right now, it seems that Brad Treliving is very active with his phone, looking at the market.

But Elliotte Friedman didn’t just talk about the Leafs and the Habs.

He also wondered whether the Sabres might be interested in the young goaltender’s services, and like Montreal, he doesn’t really believe it either.

After all, the Buffalo organization already has some fine players in front of the net, and it would be a bit surprising to see them go after another young goaltender.

The possibility of Hart being traded to the Senators has also been discussed, but there’s nothing too concrete on the subject.

At least, Friedman said the information he’s received doesn’t really point in that direction.

Podcast co-host Jeff Marek ended the discussion by linking Hart’s name to that of the San Jose Sharks.

We’re talking about a club that’s rebuilding and looking for a new go-to guy in front of the net, and yes, he’d be a nice piece to have around for the next few years.

Of all the destinations mentioned by Friedman and Marek, this is probably the one that makes the most sense to me.

Seeing what he’s received for defenseman Ivan Provorov, Daniel Brière can wait a little longer to take the time to examine the offers that will be made.

After all, I don’t think he’s necessarily in a hurry to trade the former second-round pick (2016), and I don’t see why he should be.

One thing is certain, though.

The team that wants to acquire Carter Hart will have to pay a high price, because the youngster has shown at times that he can be one of the good goalies in the National League. His case is a little special because, over the past two years, his statistics haven’t exactly been stellar…

But hey. When a young player with so much potential is available on the market, it’s usually expensive.

In gusts

– Tristan Jarry in Pittsburgh for several more years?

– A beautiful moment in his career.

We still get chills too

🎙️ https://t.co/wvKVKtbOQI#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/62vAhLjpAC

– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) June 7, 2023

– It looks like a movie.

– Another one leaving for Saudi Arabia.

– CF Montreal is not represented.

– Great read on the new friendship between the LIV and the PGA.