Exactly a week after the Blackhawks traded his negotiating rights to Carolina, Scott Darling has signed a long-term contract with the Hurricanes, the team announced Friday.
It's a four-year deal that carries a $4.15 million cap hit, a well-deserved and earned pay raise. It also includes a limited no-trade clause, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.
"Obviously Scott could have waited until July 1, to see what other options he might have as an unrestricted free agent," Carolina GM Ron Francis said in a statement. "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."
Darling turned in his best season in the NHL this past year, recording a career high 18 wins and finishing tied for fifth with a .924 save percentage. In three seasons with Chicago, he compiled a 39-17-9 record with a 2.37 goals against average, .923 save percentage and four shutouts.
The signing is a great one for both sides. Darling is going to a situation where there's a young core and promising future while the Hurricanes are getting a potential No. 1 goaltender, something they've lacked for years.