Avalanche rival reportedly making a bold push to land star goalie this season
Photo credit: The Athletic
The Colorado Avalanche's divisional rival Utah Mammoth are reportedly making a bold push to acquire star goaltender Carter Hart this season, a move that could dramatically shift the balance of power in the division.
Hart is set to be a hot commodity for teams in search of a starter or reliable tandem option over the next 2-3 years.
Mammoth reportedly set sights on signing Carter Hart.
Rob Couch of NHL Trade Rumors writes that that's reportedly the type of deal Hart is seeking to return to the NHL, one that gives him a chance to win while competing for playing time.
According to Chris Johnston, and later confirmed by Michael Russo, two Western Conference teams have shown interest: the Vegas Golden Knights and the Utah Mammoth.
"I had previously looked at Vegas as a team that should be looking at a third goaltender with seemingly just Adin Hill as the go-to in net. They have an untested Akira Schmid who appears to be primed to step into the backup role this season, but for a Stanley Cup contender, that is a risky move when the third string goalie is a 22-year-old prospect who hasn't played an NHL game in Carl Lindbom." -Couch
The Golden Knights offer Hart a proven winning environment, consistently building for deep playoff runs. With Pietrangelo injured, Marner added, and cap space available, Vegas could give him more opportunity than most Cup contenders.
"The Mammoth are an interesting one. If they are eyeing Hart, then there might not be as much confidence in Karel Vejmelka as initially thought. But, on the other hand, he played far too much last season, especially down the stretch, regardless of how well he did. That will wear any goalie down and the play will start to become affected." -Couch
Utah has ample cap space to sign Hart without issue and still make deadline additions. That would likely force out Connor Ingram or Vitek Vanecek, with Stauber and Villalta already in the minors, leaving the crease too crowded.
More teams are expected to show interest in Hart in the coming days, and his decision could be a real game-changer.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 14 | 14 ANSWERS Avalanche rival reportedly making a bold push to land star goalie this season Does Hart still have what it takes to be an NHL starter? | ||
| yes | 10 | 71.4 % |
| no | 4 | 28.6 % |
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