The Carolina Hurricanes have placed goaltender Scott Darling on waivers for the purpose of sending him to the AHL.
Placed on Waivers
Scott Darling (G) | Carolina Hurricanes#TakeWarninghttps://t.co/ESHqb5Jpz9— CapFriendly Transactions (@CF_Transactions) November 29, 2018
Hurricanes Waive Scott Darling
Over his five-year NHL career, Darling has played for Chicago Blackhawks and Carolina Hurricanes. He has put up a 54-42-17 career record in 125 career appearances with 111 career starts. He also has a 2.70 goals against average, .909 save percentage, and four shutouts. Darling has a career 3-1 record in four career Stanley Cup Playoff games, with a 2.28 goals against average, .936 save percentage.
This season, Darling has started in seven games with the Carolina Hurricanes. He has a 2-4-1 record with a 3.14 goals against average and .892 save percentage.
Overcrowding in the Canes Net Leads to Darling Being Waived
Darling a solid year filling in for Corey Crawford during the 2016-17 season in Chicago. He went 18-5-5 with a 2.38 goals against and .924 save percentage. Darling was signed to a four-year, $16.6 million dollar deal in 2017 to become the Canes number one goaltender. In his first full year with the club, Darling had a disappointing year going 13-21-7 with a 3.18 goals against average and sub .900 save percentage.
Curtis McElhinney who has stolen the show this year has emerged as the Canes number one goaltender. McElhinney, was waived by the Toronto Maple Leafs in October and has since found a home in Carolina. In nine starts so far this season, McElhinney is 7-2 with a 2.12 goals against average and .930 save percentage. Petr Mrazek was also signed by the Canes to give Darling some competition for the starting spot. Mzarek has made eight starts this year for the Canes going 3-3-2 with a 2.75 goals against average and sub .900 save percentage.
What does This Mean for Darling
With Darling’s huge contract it’s likely he will be un-claimed and be sent down to the AHL. In the AHL, Darling will have the opportunity to see playing time and gives the Canes an extra goalie if McElhinney or Mrzaek get hurt or stumble during the year. With this crowded net the Canes could also look to possibly trade a goaltender at the deadline, which would mean a call-up for Darling, if he’s not the one moved.
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