Should The Blackhawks Give Scott Darling Another Chance?

The Chicago Blackhawks have some openings in their lineup, especially when it comes to goaltending. One goalie the Blackhawks could turn to is former Blackhawk Scott Darling.

Scott Darling might not have had the best career after leaving the city of Chicago. After signing with the Carolina Hurricanes, he did not have the best first season, and after just one year was practically out of the NHL. However, he still has been playing professional hockey, and he is interested in getting back on the ice.

Darling could be the goalie the Blackhawks need in their system right now. Of course, I am not saying the team should go out and add him to be their starter next year. I would expect the team to get a deal done with Crawford, or for them to go out and make a trade for a different goalie. However, outside of that number one goalie, you need to have more options.

Scott Darling can offer the ‘Hawks that number two or three goalie position the team is in desperate need of. Darling has even shared that he is interested in playing in the AHL recently stating:

"I would happily play in the AHL, but outside of that, I might just hang them up if that’s the caseMore from Blackhawk UpBlackhawks: Three Noticeable Improvements in Comeback Win vs BluesBlackhawks: Key Takeaways from 3-2 win over the BluesBlackhawks: Grading Connor Murphy and a position comparisonBlackhawks: Shuffling the lines to try and spark offense at 5 on 5These Lineup Changes could Solve the Blackhawks’ Scoring Problem"

Taking a job in the AHL might just be the path for Darling to jump back into the NHL as a backup for the Blackhawks at some point. It has to at least be considered when you look at how little the Blackhawks actually have at that position right now.

Darling is a big guy, and his play fit nicely into the team’s system the last time he was here during the 2016-17 season. While I am not always for the Blackhawks having reunions with former players like this, Darling does offer the ‘Hawks something they need, goaltending depth.

As of right now, it does not look like Darling is being considered for the Blackhawks minor league system. However, as we get closer to next season, I would not doubt we see him take on a tryout contract similar to Kris Versteeg a few years ago. This would give an opportunity to see if he can still play, and could lead to Darling playing for the ‘Hawks in the AHL.

Would you like to see Stan Bowman bring Scott Darling back into their organization? It is a long shot that he ever plays in the NHL again, but he might help our farm system if a guy like Colin Delia takes the jump to the NHL next year.