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Carolina Hurricanes ink former Chicago Blackhawks G Scott Darling to 4-year, $16.6 million deal

By The Sports Xchange
St. Louis Blues' Scottie Upshall tries to shoot the puck off balance as former Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Scott Darling defends in the third period at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis on December 17, 2016. File photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI
St. Louis Blues' Scottie Upshall tries to shoot the puck off balance as former Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Scott Darling defends in the third period at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis on December 17, 2016. File photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo

The Carolina Hurricanes and goaltender Scott Darling agreed to terms on a four-year, $16.6 million contract, the team announced on Friday.

Darling, who received a significant raise from the $575,000 salary he made past season, was acquired on April 28 from the Chicago Blackhawks for a third-round selection in the 2017 NHL draft. That pick initially belonged to the Ottawa Senators.

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The Hurricanes had exclusive negotiating rights with Darling until July 1, with the netminder in line to become an unrestricted free agent if he didn't sign before then.

"Obviously, Scott could have waited until July 1, to see what other options he might have as an unrestricted free agent," Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis said. "But he believes in what we are trying to do here and we are thrilled that he is committing to the Hurricanes and to Raleigh."

The signing of Darling creates a logjam at the goaltender position for Carolina, which also has Cam Ward ($3.1 million) and Eddie Lack ($3 million) under contract for next season. One or both will more than likely be moved prior to the season.

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TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports that Darling's contract includes a limited no-trade clause.

Darling, 28, posted a 18-5-5 mark with two shutouts, a 2.38 goals-against average and .924 save percentage in 32 games for Chicago in 2016-17. His save percentage ranked tied for fourth among all NHL goaltenders who started more than 25 games this season.

Darling owns a 39-17-9 record with four shutouts, a 2.37 GAA and .923 save percentage in 75 career games with the Blackhawks.

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