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Hurricanes Coach Surprised by Carter Hart Rumor Tied to Carolina

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Sep 25, 2025 1:45 PM ET

Carolina Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour said he was caught off guard by the recent reports linking the team to NHL-reinstated and free-agent goaltender Carter Hart.

Brind’Amour responded Thursday after Bleacher Report's Frank Seravalli reported the Hurricanes were making progress in talks with Hart, noting Carolina viewed the 27-year-old as a long-term solution in net once he becomes eligible to sign on Oct. 15.

“Obviously, that’s news to me,” Brind’Amour told The Athletic. “Rumors are rumors. Every time there’s a player out there, they always say that our team’s involved. I haven’t given it much thought, but any player that comes here would be welcomed with open arms.”

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Added Brind'Amour: “That’s the only reason we’re bringing someone into this family. You’ve got to treat them like that. You’re talking about a hypothetical, but that’s how I would approach it.”

Hart has been reinstated by the NHL following his acquittal in the 2018 Hockey Canada sexual assault case, but cannot finalize a deal until mid-October, with Dec. 1 set as the earliest possible return date to play.

The goalie last played for the Philadelphia Flyers in January 2024 before taking a leave of absence and training on his own while navigating his suspension.

Across 227 NHL appearances, Hart has posted a .906 save percentage and 2.94 goals-against average. Only Dallas Stars netminder Jake Oettinger has played more games at the same age.

Speculation around Carolina intensified this week after Seravalli reported the team had interest in both Hart and Michael McLeod. Other insiders, including Chris Johnston, have mentioned the Hurricanes alongside the Vegas Golden Knights and one or two additional teams as contenders for Hart’s signature.

Brind’Amour’s surprise at the rumor underscored how fluid the situation remains, even as Hart narrows his options ahead of his expected NHL return.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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