'A non-starter for the Edmonton Oilers': Carter Hart's NHL comeback faces major hurdle despite acquittal, says insider
return is far from guaranteed. According to insider Frank Seravalli, Hart remains a 'non-starter' for the Edmonton Oilers and, troublingly, for the rest of the league as well.
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NHL insider reveals league-wide hesitation toward Carter Hart despite court ruling
In a revealing appearance on B/R Open Ice, Frank Seravalli explained that Hart's legal acquittal has not translated into NHL eligibility.
'I was told that Carter Hart is a non-starter for the Edmonton Oilers, and beyond that, he's a non-starter for everyone right now, coming off of his acquittal in the Hockey Canada sexual assault case in court in London, Ontario, as ruled upon last week,' Seravalli said.
Hart, along with four other former NHLers, was found not guilty in court.
However, Seravalli clarified that the league continues to treat them as 'ineligible,' with the NHL Commissioner's office still reviewing the file.
'Look, he's - him and the other four former NHL players have been labeled by the NHL as ineligible, and they're going to continue to review the file before determining next steps in the commissioner's office…' he added.
NHL's decision lies with Gary Bettman , not the courts
Even though Hart could technically sign with any team once cleared, the power lies squarely with Commissioner Gary Bettman.
The court may have dismissed criminal charges, but it did not absolve the players of actions the league deems 'detrimental.'
As Seravalli emphasized, '…so until they are cleared to play, it's not even really a conversation worth having, even though the NHLPA has strongly voiced their objection to how the NHL has viewed this situation.'
The critical detail here is that the NHL's collective bargaining agreement gives Bettman sweeping authority to determine a player's eligibility, irrespective of courtroom outcomes. That means unless the Commissioner changes his stance, Hart's NHL career may remain indefinitely on pause.
Also Read:
FAQs
1. Can Carter Hart sign with any NHL team now?
No, not until he's officially cleared to play by the NHL.
2. Was Carter Hart found guilty in the Hockey Canada case?
No, he was acquitted of all criminal charges in court.
3. Who decides Carter Hart's eligibility to return?
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has final say over his playing status.
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