Darling (undisclosed) is expected to start Monday's preseason game against the Oilers.

EDGE Analysis

The Hurricanes were originally hoping Darling would be well enough to play Saturday against the Capitals, but Cam Ward wound up getting the nod instead. Assuming he is able to play a full contest Monday with no setbacks, Darling's status as the team's No. 1 netminder does not appear to be in doubt at this point.

Darling (undisclosed) is "banged up," but the team is hoping he will be healthy for Saturday's preseason game against Washington.

EDGE Analysis

Wednesday's update was the first indication that Darling had been dealing with any kind of injury, though the writing may have been on the wall when he wasn't included in any of the team's first three preseason contests. Stay posted for additional news from the team as the weekend approaches.

Darling agreed to terms on a four-year, $16.6 million contract with the Hurricanes on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

With that, it would appear that the Hurricanes have committed to Darling being their goalie of the future and they will likely move on from at least one of Cam Ward or Eddie Lack. That might be a good plan too -- during the 2016-17 campaign Ward's 2.69 GAA and .905 save percentage ranked him 29th and 38th, respectively, among all NHL goalies; Lack did not make enough starts to qualify. Assuming he lives up to the hype, Darling could have a landmark year and could be at least a middle-tier goalie for fantasy purposes.

Following the goalie's trade from the Blackhawks on Friday, Darling's agent will have preliminary contract discussions with Hurricanes GM Ron Francis next week, the Raleigh News & Observer reports. "Obviously we'd like to get something done sooner rather than later," Francis said.

EDGE Analysis

With the Hurricanes missing the playoffs for the eighth straight year, Francis indicated that his focus this offseason will be improving the goaltending, and evidently it starts with reeling in Darling. The 28-year-old spent his first three seasons in Chicago, steadily increasing his workload over that time. He posted a 39-17-9 record, 2.37 GAA, .923 save percentage, and four shutouts as the understudy to Corey Crawford. Netminder Cam Ward has been with the Hurricanes since the 2005-06 season, but he could finally be on his way out as he'll be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2018 and is making an unsustainable $6.3 million per season. Of course, Carolina also has Eddie Lack as an option between the pipes, but his contract will expire at the same time as Ward's and the former Canuck has done very little to inspire confidence in team brass -- all of this bodes well for Darling and his fantasy prospects.

Darling was traded to the Hurricanes on Friday in exchange for a 2017 third-round draft pick.

EDGE Analysis

With Darling set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and the Blackhawks reportedly unlikely to re-sign him, the Hurricanes decided to get a head start on free agency and own exclusive negotiating rights on a goalie who they have clearly had their eye on. The 28-year-old was very solid in the 32 appearances he made covering for Corey Crawford, compiling a 18-5-5 record to go with a .924 save percentage and 2.38 GAA. Assuming Darling signs with the Hurricanes before he hits the open market, it would likely signal the end of the Cam Ward era in Carolina and could give Darling the first opportunity to be an everyday starter in his career.

Darling made 47 saves, including all eight he faced on the power play, but it wasn't enough as the Avalanche came from behind to win in overtime Tuesday, 4-3.

EDGE Analysis

Darling still finished with a .922 save percentage in a game that meant little to the Blackhawks after clinching the conference title and allowed them to sit Duncan Keith. What should be concerning, however, is their lack of finish -- the Blackhawks, a Cup contender, blew a 3-0 lead to one of the worst teams ever in the cap era. Darling will likely start in one of the two games remaining, but will return to his usual backup role once the playoffs start. He's been outstanding this season, setting career highs in appearances (31), wins (18), shutouts (2) and saves (763). He's an impending free agent, and he's going to draw a lot of interest. If he lands a job as a No. 1, his fantasy value gets a significant bump.

Darling is slated to start Tuesday's road game against the Avalanche, Tracey Myers of CSN Chicago reports.

EDGE Analysis

With the Avs having dropped eight of nine decisions and entrenched in last place in the NHL standings, this looks like a nice chance for Darling to bounce back from last Monday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Lightning, in which he turned away just 25 of 30 shots.

Darling saved just 25 of 30 shots during Monday's overtime loss to Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

With a .780 save percentage through his past three appearances, Darling's been shaky. However, Monday was his only start during that span, and he had won six straight games with a .951 save percentage and 1.51 GAA prior to the recent funk. Darling is a strong bet to bounce back in his next outing, but Chicago doesn't have another back-to-back set this season, so he might not receive the chance. It isn't out of the question to move on from Darling in all settings.

Darling will be tending twine for Monday's game in Tampa Bay, Eric Lear of Blackhawks TV reports.

EDGE Analysis

The backup hasn't been good lately, allowing seven goals on 36 shots in his last three outings. He's getting the start to give Corey Crawford a rest as the team gears up for a playoff run. The Lightning average 2.78 goals per game, and given Darling's struggles, he shouldn't be slotting into many fantasy lineups.

Darling relieved Corey Crawford early in the third period of Saturday's 7-0 loss to Florida. He allowed three goals on six shots.

EDGE Analysis

The Panthers opened up a can and whupped the Hawks, plain and simple. Hit reboot. No use dwelling.