By Randy Holndoner (@bhawkschatter)
Stan Bowman and the Chicago Blackhawks said goodbye to Lemont, IL native, and Stanley Cup Champion goaltender, Scott Darling today as they traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 3rd round draft pick in the upcoming draft in June.
Darling was to be a unrestricted free agent as of July 1st. Bowman found a suitor for Darling, who finished tied for 5th in the league in save percentage (.924). With the Blackhawks backed up against the salary cap yet again, Bowman did the only thing he could do, get something in return for him. Darling should easily earn a multi-year salary averaging between $3-$4 million per year. With the 3rd round pick in return, the Blackhawks now have 10 draft picks in the upcoming draft (one pick in the 1st-4th, and 7th rounds, three 5th rd, and two 6th rd picks).
Darling came to the Blackhawks as a journeyman goalie who fulfilled a kids dream of playing for his hometown team and winning the Stanley Cup in 2015. Over 3 years with the Blackhawks, Darling compiled a record of 39-17-9, 2.37 GAA, .924 SV%, 4 SO. He and Corey Crawford combined to with the Jennings Trophy in 2015 for least goals allowed.
As to who will be back up for Crawford next year, that is yet to be seen as Mac Carruth and Lars Johansson are also set to become unrestricted free agents.
Bowman has started the off-season moves already. With ten picks in this year's draft, don't be surprised to see at least one or more of these picks, possibly packaged with a veteran, for some young talent.
Pictures provided by nbcchicago.com
Stan Bowman and the Chicago Blackhawks said goodbye to Lemont, IL native, and Stanley Cup Champion goaltender, Scott Darling today as they traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 3rd round draft pick in the upcoming draft in June.
Darling came to the Blackhawks as a journeyman goalie who fulfilled a kids dream of playing for his hometown team and winning the Stanley Cup in 2015. Over 3 years with the Blackhawks, Darling compiled a record of 39-17-9, 2.37 GAA, .924 SV%, 4 SO. He and Corey Crawford combined to with the Jennings Trophy in 2015 for least goals allowed.
As to who will be back up for Crawford next year, that is yet to be seen as Mac Carruth and Lars Johansson are also set to become unrestricted free agents.
Bowman has started the off-season moves already. With ten picks in this year's draft, don't be surprised to see at least one or more of these picks, possibly packaged with a veteran, for some young talent.
Pictures provided by nbcchicago.com
Cap should make for an interesting summer for Mr. Bowman!
ReplyDeleteThat's for damn sure. Hasn't been this tested since he took over.
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