Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart is taking an indefinite leave of absence, the team announced Tuesday.
“Carter Hart has requested and been granted an indefinite leave of absence citing personal reasons,” said Flyers general manager Daniel Briere in the team’s statement. “The club will have no further comment at this time.”
Drafted by the organization in 2016, Hart is in his sixth season with the Flyers. A native of Sherwood Park, Alta., Hart has made 26 appearances this season, recording a 2.80 goals-against average and .906 save percentage.
The 25-year-old last played on Jan. 20, a 7-4 loss for the Flyers against the Avalanche. Hart was pulled ahead of the third period after allowing five goals on 15 shots.
In the final year of his three-year contract worth $11.9 million, Hart is set to become a restricted free agent next summer.
The Flyers, who have been one of the league’s most pleasant surprises this season and hold a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night in one of their final games before the All-Star break.
Hart is the latest NHL player to take a leave from his team. On Sunday, the Calgary Flames announced forward Dillon Dube was stepping away indefinitely to attend to his mental health and was under the care of professionals.
— with files from the Associated Press