The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired the rights to goaltender Scott Darling from the Chicago Blackhawks for a 2017 3rd round pick.
Thoughts from the media ….
Chip Alexander: “Francis said acquiring Darling’s rights was “bit of a gamble but one we thought was worth taking.” Noted Canes have assets and used one.”
Chip Alexander: “Ron Francis says has yet to speak with Darling or agent but plans to tonight. “We’d like to get something done sooner rather than later.”
Luke DeCock: “Gave up the worst of their seven picks in the first three rounds. A worthwhile gamble.”
Pierre LeBrun: “Smart move by the ‘Canes to get a leg up on a UFA goalie more than a few teams would have wanted to talk to.”
Pierre LeBrun: “Should also mention there haven’t been any talks yet between Carolina and Darling’s agent. This was news to the Darling camp just now”
Chip Alexander: “Good move by the Hurricanes getting the rights to Scott Darling. Another Canes-Blackhawks transaction.”
Mark Lazerus: “Scott Darling was an unrestricted free agent, and there was basically zero chance of the #Blackhawks retaining him. Deserves to be a No. 1.”
Mark Lazerus: “Scott Darling’s a great guy and should be a No. 1 somewhere. But everyone who wanted to deal Crawford to save a measly $2M or so is insane.”
Mark Lazerus: “And I’m pretty sure Scott Darling would tell you the same thing.”
Brian Hedger: “A 3rd rd pick for a guy who could be UFA in a couple months is a good get for #Blackhawks and answers the ? about which G they’re keeping.”
Brian Hedger: “Kind of a risk for Carolina, which would be sacrificing a 3rd rd pick for nothing if Darling doesn’t sign an extension before July 1.”
Cory Lavalette: “This could backfire, too. Buffalo traded a 3rd to the Preds for negotiating rights to Vesey last year. He signed with NYR, Buffalo got nada.”
Cory Lavalette: “Like Buffalo last year, though, Hurricanes can afford to take the chance given all their picks.”
CapFriendly: “#Canes also have both Cam Ward & Eddie Lack under contract for 1 more season. Team can only protect one of the two in Expansion.”
