Exploring the Possibility: Should the Canadiens Pursue Goaltender Carter Hart?

Montreal Canadiens: Should The Canadiens Show Interest In Goaltender Carter Hart?

Published 3 hours ago on June 6, 2023 by Marc Dumont

The Montreal Canadiens have been facing a dire situation with the shortage of goaltending options throughout the organization. While their prospect pool is limited, the dearth of signed goaltenders for their NHL and AHL teams has continued to pose a challenge for the team. Injuries to their goalkeepers- Jake Allen, Samuel Montembeault, Cayden Primeau or Jakub Dobes- make the situation much more difficult for the Canadiens. Therefore, the Canadiens must upgrade their goaltending options. The Philadelphia Flyers goaltender, Carter Hart, who has reportedly hit the market, presents a potentially interesting option for the Canadiens. However, the question remains if Hart would bring a significant improvement over Montembeault, and if so, what should the team offer in exchange for the 2016 second-round pick.

By The Numbers

Hart entered the league with a .917 and .914 save percentage in his first two seasons, which raised hopes that the long-time goaltending woes of the Philadelphia Flyers had been resolved. Young goaltenders tend to experience significant fluctuations in their numbers, and the same is true for Hart, who recorded a .877, .905, and .907 save percentage in his third, fourth, and fifth seasons respectively. However, we must acknowledge that playing with a struggling franchise is rarely conducive to goaltenders thriving.

Using advanced metrics, we can gain a better understanding of how goaltenders are performing despite the team’s on-ice performance, specifically in the metric called goals saved above average (GSAA). Hart saved 15.8 goals above average at 5v5, finishing 11th overall in the league. Canadiens’ goaltender Samuel Montembeault finished 15th in the league with 13 GSAA. Although both goaltenders’ numbers suggest that they provided their respective team with two wins above average, it is worth noting that Hart had a better season than Montembeault in most statistical categories, including rebound control. Therefore, Hart does represent a slight upgrade on Montembeault on paper, although not necessarily a significant difference.

The Cost

At 24, Hart is younger than Montembeault, which means he would fit into the Canadiens’ overall rebuild time frame better than his counterpart. While Hart has more pedigree than Montembeault, and one was heralded as a future starter in the NHL, the other was treated as an afterthought prior to his emergence this season. However, pedigree is of little value in this context, mainly when discussing their current form. Goaltenders tend to have little to no trade value on the NHL’s trade market because of the significant fluctuations in their performance. Therefore, the Canadiens should avoid spending high-end assets to slightly improve their goaltending options.

Hart is in the final year of his three-year contract with a $3.9 million cap hit and will be a restricted free agent once it expires. While it may be easy to suggest to trade the Canadiens’ late first-round pick in exchange for Hart’s services, the relatively minimal difference between his numbers and Montembeault’s suggest the possibility of overpaying once all is said and done. Therefore, while the Canadiens should be interested in a player like Hart, they must be cautious when evaluating NHL goaltenders and navigate the icy waters of overpaying during trades.

Editorial and Advice

Given the current situation of the Canadiens, it is crucial that they take measures to upgrade their goaltending options. Although Carter Hart seems like an intriguing option, the cost of acquiring him might outweigh the benefits for the team. Given the fluctuations in goaltender‘s performance, it is advisable that the Canadiens explore other options, such as drafting and developing goaltending prospects. The Canadiens should consider the long-term benefits of their decisions rather than short-term gains and prioritize the rebuilding process. While a trade for Carter Hart could potentially provide the team with a slight upgrade, the cost of acquiring him is expensive. The Canadiens should avoid overpaying for a goaltender, continue focusing on rebuilding the team, and consider drafting and developing young goaltending prospects for their future success.