After being acquired by the Carolina Hurricanes on April 29th, goaltender Scott Darling has signed a four-year $16.6 million contract with the Canes. He has an average cap hit of $4.15 million.
The pending UFA had a 2.37 goals against average and a .923 save percentage in 75 games with the Chicago Blackhawks. His save percentage ranked tied for fourth among all NHL goaltenders who started over 25 games. Scott Darling had a 39-17-9 record with the Blackhawks.
Carolina has had quite the goalie conundrum over the past few seasons. The Hurricanes were 18th in the NHL in goals-against average (2.80) but they were 27th in team save percentage at .901.
Scott Darling Signs Four-Year Deal With The Carolina Hurricanes
However, the Hurricanes now have three goalies under contract. Veteran number one Cam Ward, who has a $3.30 million cap hit, and Eddie Lack who has a $2.75 million cap hit in 2017-18. Both goalies will be eligible to be selected in the upcoming expansion draft.
Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis said in a statement, “Obviously Scott could have waited until July 1, to see what other options he might have as an unrestricted free agent, but he believes in what we are trying to do here and we are thrilled that he is committing to the Hurricanes and Raleigh.”
Meanwhile, it has been quite the journey to the NHL for Scott Darling. Before making his NHL debut, he played games at nearly every North American professional level, including the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), ECHL, Central Hockey League (CHL) and American Hockey League (AHL).
Still, the Carolina Hurricanes finished 21st in the NHL this season, with a -21 goal differential. At 28 years old, Darling might be what the young Hurricanes are looking for moving forward.
Main Photo:
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 18: Scott Darling #33 of the Chicago Blackhawks warms up prior to play against the Toronto Maple Leafs in an NHL game at the Air Canada Centre on March 18, 2017 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blackhawks defeated the Maple Leafs 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
