PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Promising Flyers goalie Carter Hart regressed in the pandemic-shortened 2021 season, but with hopes of a much-closer-to-normal season — as well as more money in his bank account — Hart is focused on bouncing back.
"It's a clean slate," Hart said. "Fresh start for everybody. With COVID going on and everything, hopefully next year, we won't run into any hiccups. I think we're all looking forward to a fresh start and to get back to playing in front of our fanbase, one of the best in the NHL. I can't wait for opening night. It'll be a sold-out stadium again."
Hart, 23 on Friday, was speaking to reporters after re-signing with the Flyers for a three-year contract with an average annual value of $3.979 million. The pay bump follows a disappointing 2021 campaign for him and the franchise. Deemed the goaltender of the future by many observers, Hart had a 3.67 goals against average last season with a .877 save percentage. The previous regular season, his GAA was 2.42 and save percentage .914. On top of that, he was excellent in 14 playoff games.
Without getting into specifics, Hart said he and his goalie coaches with the team and back home in the Edmonton area.
"It's been a couple things there that we've targeted to work on," Hart said, "and I think we've made a lot of good progress."
The Flyers simply gave up too many goals last season. That must improve if they're going to compete in 2021-22. President of Hockey Operations Chuck Fletcher made of number of moves this off-season to improve the team's group of defensemen. He also brought in new veteran leadership.
"When guys are excited and want to come and play for you, that's what you want," Hart said. 'In a locker room that wants to succeed, you want players like that on your team. Like I said, I've heard great things. I've talked to some of those guys already, and they seem like beauties, and it's gonna be a lot of fun this year."
In addition to new defensemen and veterans, there's also 31-year-old goalie Martin Jones, who Hart says he is ready to compete with.
"I've heard great things about Jonesy and I'm looking forward to meeting him here soon," said Hart. "That's what you want. You want to have a good competition between the two [goaltenders.] Me and Jonesy will push each other to be better in practice and off the ice. I think that's only healthy."
During his press conference, it was easy to notice Hart's enthusiasm about this season. After spending the summer back home, he sounds ready to go.
"It's been great. Everything's open here now. No masks. Can pretty much do everything without any restrictions now, so that's good. It's been awesome to see all my family and friends. Just kind of hang out … take a nice breather from the game. Took about a month or so off the ice and it was nice to kind of just recharge and relax a little bit. But it's been good. It's been a good summer."
Flyers fans are hoping next season will be great as well. That hasn't been the case for a long time.