Before even signing a contract to assure his future with the Carolina Hurricanes, pending UFA Scott Darling has already been dubbed the Canes’ Next Big Thing in net.
A three-year backup to Corey Crawford and a 2015 Stanley Cup champion after years of toiling in the lower leagues of hockey, Darling’s had a long road to get where he is, and the time seems right for the 28-year-old.
It was necessary that Ron Francis and his regime acquire a goalie. His team is in desperate need of goalie help after years of disappointment in the crease, and two months of exclusive negotiating rights with Darling certainly makes it seem like a safe bet for the two sides to iron a deal out and move into the 2017-18 season with a lot of optimism.