RUMOR: Hawks goaltending options could be limited

When the Chicago Blackhawks traded backup goaltender Scott Darling earlier this week fan reaction was difficult to gauge. Some fans were outraged that the team would give up on the 28 year-old goaltender for the paltry return of a third round pick. Others were just happy that the team received an asset for a player that was likely to leave via free-agency anyways. While it’s not clear whether or not Darling would have re-signed in Chicago the fact is that he’s gone and the team now has to turn its focus to finding his replacement.

Journalist Scott Powers of The Athletic highlights the team’s offseason choices for the backup position in his latest article and, well….they options are underwhelming to say the least.

With the biggest fish in the UFA pond likely out of Chicago’s affordability range, the Hawks will have to look at the summer’s secondary market. That means no Ben Bishop or Brian Elliott. But could the Hawks look at a veteran like Ryan Miller to split time with Crawford? The 36 year-old is a solid 1B option even at his advanced age, but is he amenable to the idea of playing the role of a number 2 in perpetuity?

How about Jonathan Bernier? The veteran net minder rebounded in Anaheim this season after a few years of struggling in Toronto. Chad Johnson, who starred with the Calgary Flames in a 1A/1B role with Elliott this season, could also be had. Steve Mason, Darcy Kuemper, Ondrej Pavelec, Curtis McElhinney…the list continues. And don’t count out Jeff Glass, the team’s AHL starter.

Whoever the Blackhawks decide on for a backup in 2017-18, the decision should not be taken lightly. While Darling never developed into a star in Chicago, he was crucial in the team’s 2015 Stanley Cup championship and management won’t likely forget the contributions of their back up goaltender when choosing a new one.