Goaltender Carter Hart has had some success with the Philadelphia Flyers this season, but a troubling message from the team revealed that he was given a leave of absence after seeking one. At this time, neither the details nor the period of absence will be provided.
Per Philadelphia Flyers General Manager, Daniel Briere:
"Carter Hart has requested and been granted an indefinite leave of absence citing personal reasons. The club will have no further comment at this time." pic.twitter.com/jC1GyxcKWR
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) January 23, 2024
To replace Hart, the Flyers brought up American Hockey League (AHL) goaltender Cal Petersen, who will serve as Sam Ersson’s backup for the time being. What does all of this mean for Philadelphia?
Hart, who is only 25 years old, has been a regular in the Flyers’ net since 2018-19. He has had several ups and downs in his career, with a.906 save percentage (SV%) and a 2.94 goals-against average (GAA). This season, he has a.906 SV% and a 2.80 GAA, which is nearly same to last. Following a 10-save, 15-shot effort against the Colorado Avalanche, those numbers have recently been skewed in the wrong direction. But, overall, he’s done well in goal.
Hart has been battling illness all season, missing significant time in November and December as a result. Despite being the Flyers’ typical starting goaltender, he has only appeared in 26 of their 47 games, or 55%. Because nothing is known regarding his absence at this moment, he could be gone for a few matches or the entire season. The Flyers can only hope that the latter is not the case, but it is possible. Hopefully, he is in capable hands and this will not be a long-term issue.
The goaltender who will replace Hart has only appeared in two games for the Orange and Black after being included in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings to ship off his $5 million annual contract, allowing them to spend their money elsewhere. Petersen’s two games were both against his former team, with the first producing a.833 SV% and a 5.00 GAA and the second entirely turning it around with a.946 SV% and a 2.00. With a 1-1-0 record in those games, he’s a fine backup.
Given that Petersen spent the most of his time in the AHL, it’s crucial to highlight his accomplishments there. It’s been up and down for the most part, with a 5-8-2 record,.890 SV%, and 3.26 GAA this season. Perhaps receiving another chance in the NHL will boost both his confidence and his numbers.
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