Blackhawks trade Darling to Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes acquired goalie Scott Darling from the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday for a third-round pick in this June’s draft.

Darling can become an unrestricted free agent July 1, and the Hurricanes have exclusive negotiating rights with him until then.

Darling, 28, had a career-best 18 wins with a 2.38 goals-against average in 32 games, helping the Blackhawks post the best record in the Western Conference. His .924 save percentage tied for fourth among goalies with more than 25 starts.

With Cam Ward and Eddie Lack in net, the Hurricanes ranked 18th in the league, allowing 2.8 goals per game, while facing the fifth-fewest shots on goal.