New twist in Carter Hart to Edmonton Oilers talk after insider Kevin Weekes’ report sparks speculation a rumor in NHL trading.

BREAKING RUMOR: Kevin Weekes Report Reignites Carter Hart-to-Oilers Trade Buzz in Dramatic NHL Twist

A fresh wave of speculation is sweeping through NHL circles after insider Kevin Weekes hinted at a potential revival of trade talks involving Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart and the Edmonton Oilers. Weekes, known for his accurate scoops, dropped a cryptic but telling post late last night suggesting the Oilers may be back in the market for a franchise-caliber goalie—and it didn’t take long for fans and analysts to connect the dots.

With the Oilers reeling from recent playoff disappointments and facing mounting pressure to shore up their defensive core, the timing of this rumor could not be more significant.

In a post that has since gone viral, Weekes wrote:

“Keep an eye on the goalie market. One team with Cup aspirations may revisit talks with a former trade target out East. 👀”

While no names were mentioned explicitly, multiple sources confirm that the “team with Cup aspirations” is the Edmonton Oilers, and the “former trade target” is Carter Hart, whose future in Philadelphia has been the subject of speculation for well over a year.

The Oilers’ postseason meltdown—despite the heroics of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl—was marked by inconsistent goaltending and defensive lapses. Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard were serviceable, but far from elite. With the franchise now operating in a narrow championship window, Edmonton is reportedly eager to secure a long-term, stable option in net.

“You can’t waste McDavid’s prime years,” one Western Conference executive said. “And you can’t win in the playoffs without elite goaltending.”

Enter Carter Hart.

Though sidelined last season due to off-ice investigations and a pause in his career, Hart’s legal status has cleared in recent weeks, and his return to NHL play is reportedly imminent. League sources say multiple teams have been in quiet talks with the Flyers, but the Oilers remain “the most motivated.”

The Flyers are currently in rebuild mode under GM Daniel Brière and could be open to moving Hart for a strong package that accelerates their long-term plans. A prospective deal could look like:

• Goaltender Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard
• A 2025 first-round pick
• A prospect like Xavier Bourgault or Raphael Lavoie
• Possibly a conditional pick based on Hart’s performance or games played

Insiders say Philadelphia is not desperate to trade Hart, but would consider it for the right blend of assets.

Part of the reason trade talks cooled earlier in 2024 was the cloud surrounding Hart’s name due to the 2018 Hockey Canada scandal investigation. However, Hart was recently cleared of criminal wrongdoing, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has not indicated any formal league suspension is forthcoming.

This significantly changes his market value and availability. Teams that were previously hesitant are now making calls—with Edmonton seemingly leading the charge.

The rumor has lit up social media and sports radio in both cities. In Edmonton, fans have expressed mixed reactions—some eager to finally solve the franchise’s long-standing goaltending issues, others wary of Hart’s time away from the ice.

Flyers fans are watching closely too, with many divided over whether it’s time to move on from the former “goalie of the future.”

Hashtags like #HartToOilers and #OilersGoForGoalie have trended overnight, and Weekes himself liked several posts referencing Hart’s potential move to Western Canada—adding fuel to the fire.

Should Edmonton acquire Hart, it would be the latest in a string of aggressive front office moves designed to capitalize on the McDavid-Draisaitl era. With talks surrounding McDavid’s long-term future heating up—and even rumored interest from teams like Vegas—the Oilers are under immense pressure to make winning moves, now.

Adding a high-upside, 25-year-old goalie like Hart—who once posted a .917 save percentage in a full season—could stabilize the back end while keeping Edmonton competitive for years.

Sources indicate the Oilers and Flyers have had preliminary conversations but nothing is imminent. However, that could change quickly depending on other goaltending moves across the league.

The draft and free agency period have narrowed, which typically signals a turn to the trade market. If Kevin Weekes’ timing is any indicator, we could see movement as early as this week.

Carter Hart to Edmonton would be a risky, but potentially franchise-altering trade. After years of instability in the crease, the Oilers may finally be ready to bet big on solving their most glaring weakness.

All eyes now turn to both front offices—and to the man who sparked it all with a single cryptic tweet.

Would you like a mock tweet thread or a graphic previewing what Hart in an Oilers uniform might look like?