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Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart is taking an indefinite leave of absence as reports began surfacing that he was told to surrender to London, Ontario law enforcement as a result of a sexual assault probe, according to The Globe and Mail. He is one of five players from the 2018 Canada world junior team to take a sudden leave of absence from their respective clubs.
General manager Daniel Briere announced Tuesday that Hart had requested and been granted time away from the team. He added that the Flyers will have no further comment.
Hart had one of his worst starts of the season Saturday, allowing five goals on 15 shots in a loss to Colorado before being pulled. He's 12-9-3 in his sixth NHL season. Hart is in his final year of a three-year contract worth $11.9 million.
The Flyers were coming in at 50-1 odds to win the 2024 Stanley Cup.
Dillon Dube of the Calgary Flames also opted to take an abrupt leave of absence this week. The Flames were listed at 70-1 odds to win the Stanley Cup.
NHL players Michael McLeod and Cal Foote of the New Jersey Devils have left that team. New Jersey is listed with the 12th shortest odds to win the Stanley Cup at 20-1.
Former NHL player Alex Formenton, who is now with a team in Europe, also requested a leave of absence.
London, Ontario, police launched an investigation in 2022 after word emerged that Hockey Canada had settled a lawsuit with a woman who said she was sexually assaulted by eight members of that gold medal-winning team at a gala. There is no statute of limitations on sexual assault in Canada.
A spokesperson for London Police would not confirm the report when contacted by The Associated Press. "When there is an update to provide, we will share with media outlets," Sgt. Sandasha Bough said Wednesday.
Thursday's line on the New Jersey-Carolina game was off the board.
- Ean Lamb, Gambling911.com
