VOORHEES, N.J. – There’s been speculation the Flyers might try to reacquire the services of former goaltender Carter Hart, who’s been in limbo for more than a year after a legal matter resulted in his departure from the team.
The National Hockey League is still in the process of deciding what to do about the five players who were involved in an alleged attack on a woman back in 2018.
Hart and the others were acquitted of those charges. Hart is a free agent. The five players are not officially suspended but rather “ineligible” to sign with another team.
An announcement from the NHL is expected shortly.
Speaking at Wednesday’s press conference at the Flyers Training Center, Flyers governor/CEO Dan Hilferty said the entire matter involving Hart rests with the NHL.
“At this point we’re going to make no comment on that situation,” Hilferty said. “The NHL has made it clear they will speak first. Right now we’re not prepared to comment at all. The NHL is telling us they’re running the show.”
The feeling is Hart probably wouldn’t consider an offer to return to the Flyers, simply because his situation would be a distraction both to the team and himself.
>New building on the horizon?
Although there’s been a recent overhaul of the Xfinity Mobile Center (formerly Wells Fargo Center), the reality is the building is 30 years old and will have to be replaced someday.
Hilferty said there are already plans in the works for a new building sometime in the early 2030s.
Currently, the Flyers are ranked somewhere around No. 6 or No. 7 in the financial ratings for the NHL.
“In terms of long-term, our hope is to build an arena in the early 2030s,” Hilferty said. “We are so excited after all the discussion back and forth, both the Sixers, the Flyers and the WNBA will play in one arena in south Philadelphia.
“The goal is to build the best arena in the world.”
>Ersson could surprise
Although No. 1 goaltender Samuel Ersson experienced an up-and-down year, general manager Keith Jones still believes in him.
“I’m a big believer in Ersson,” Jones said. “I believe he’s in a position now age-wise (25) and being pushed by the depth at that position. . .that’s going to benefit him as well. I believe Sam is going to stand up to the test this year.”
>Foerster update
Tyson Foerster underwent offseason elbow surgery to clear up an infection and should be ready for the opening of the season.
“I know he’s doing well,” said Jones. “That’s the great news there. Tyson is on pace to be there when the season starts.”
>Evaluating Briere
Jones was asked to evaluate GM Danny Briere’s body of work in his first two seasons on the job.
“He is an extremely intelligent, dedicated person to his job,” Jones said. “He’s methodical, thoughtful and sharing in the ways he does things. Not just with us but with our Flyers community. He deals from a position of honesty. He has a plan in place that so far he has executed very well.”
>Marketing Michkov
Matvei Michkov’s rookie season certainly was one of the few bright spots from last season. He led the team in goal-scoring with 26.
The Flyers want to build around that success.
“It helps in the Flyers’ fan community,” Jones said. “He’s a very exciting player to watch. He embraces trying to be the best. It’s an interesting thing to watch him operate.”
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