The Daily: Agent Debunks Carter Hart Rumor; Griffins Schooled

There’s no plan for Carter Hart to play in the Kontinental Hockey League next season. That’s the conclusion Philadelphia Hockey Now’s Jonathan Bailey reached after reviewing the facts of the Carter Hart situation.

Hart, 25, took a personal leave of absence on Jan. 23 and was charged with one count of sexual assault one week later. Hart has been away from the team ever since; the charge has not been proven in court, and a trial is not expected to take place until 2025.

Bailey lays out the KHL rumor and explains Hart’s contract status moving forward. Hart will be a restricted free agent on July 1, and he would become an unrestricted free agent if the Philadelphia Flyers don’t make him a qualifying offer.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• The Grand Rapids Griffins received a strong lesson from the Rockford IceHogs about how the postseason is nothing like the regular-season.
• When you are sorting out the Red Wings’ prospects, don’t forget about William Wallinder who has made significant strides this season.
• Nate Danielson keeps piling up points for the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League playoffs.
• Former Red Wings goalie prospect Filip Larsson has joined the Pittsburgh Penguins’ organization

Red Wings’ Offseason

The Grand Rapids Griffins, the Red Wings’ primary affiliate, will play Game 3 of their Central Division semifinal against the Rockford IceHogs Friday at 7 p.m. at Van Andel Arena. The IceHogs are the Chicago Blackhawks’ top affiliate team. The Griffins were lackluster in a 5-1 loss to Rockford Wednesday.  “It’s a wakeup call for us,” Coach Dan Watson said. “The good thing is now it becomes the best two out of three with two games at home. That’s the good news. The bad news is we gotta compete harder and be ready to go for Game 3.”

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: Injured Colorado Avalanche forward Jonathan Drouin could be back in the lineup by the end of the second round or the beginning of the third round.

Florida: Injured Sam Bennett should be ready to suit up for the Florida Panthers in the second round.

Philadelphia: The Philadelphia Flyers are interested in bringing back defenseman Erik Johnson next season.

Pittsburgh: Rumors about Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan won’t go away. It has also been reported that GM Kyle Dubas and Sullivan have differing views about Sullivan’s assistant coaches.