|
Catnip: Scott Darling PTO with Florida? |
|
|
|
|
|
The friends over at
Windy City Benders Podcast are reporting that Scott Darling has a PTO with the Panthers.
This is an interesting development for a number of obvious reasons...
If you remember, Darling came over with a 2020 sixth-round pick from Carolina in exchange for James Reimer in June of 2019. A month later, he was placed on waivers for the purpose of a buyout. A few months down the road from that, he found himself playing for HC TWK Innsbruck of the Austrian Hockey League with hopes of revitalizing his career and making a return to the NHL. In 33 games with Innsbruck, Darling posted a 3.34 GAA and a .898 SV%.
The Panthers are pretty much set for a bit at the goalie position with Bob, Driedger, Monty and Spencer Knight - the guy slated to be the future in the blue paint.
Darling has had an almost-cliche sport movie career where the protagonist climbs his way to the top, experiences the highest of highs, only to fall from grace and start the climb all over again.
So....if Florida truly considering adding him (I assume there is some kind of thought/plan in place) it would have to be in the capacity of the Checkers, right?
From an NBC Sports Chicago interview this last September:
“I would happily play in the AHL, but outside of that, I might just hang them up if that's the case.”
Maybe Q and the Cats are doing him a solid? He has high respect for Q, and his time in Chicago was fruitful when they were together - with him coming up clutch in many big situations for the Hawks. If the PTO and future plans don’t work out with Florida, it could possibly put him back on the radar for some other teams looking for AHL/NHL help.
Kind of an interesting/fun development at a time when we’re all starved for some hockey news.
A lot will say that he’s old news and NHL natural selection has run its course, but curious how this unfolds...
_______________
Go Panthers!
Florida Panthers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»