Carolina Hurricanes: How to fix the roster and return to the playoffs

End the Goaltender Carousel

It may seem like I’m starting with the heavy stuff first. I have definitely thought about closing this article with this segment. I have thought about giving it its own article. There is definitely plenty to write about when it comes to goaltending and this team. But the more I thought about it, the simpler it got. The solution has been with us the whole time: someone has to go.

That someone will definitely not be Curtis McElhinney, who is the only goalie to string more than two wins together in this three headed monster. His calm presence might be the only reason Carolina has a chance this year. His Cinderella story of being claimed off waivers and leading a team to the playoffs may be one of the best for this team. While he may not be the true answer as the starter for this team, the 35 year old journeyman goalie is definitely a reliable backup that can win games consistently.

It will come down to either Petr Mrazek or Scott Darling, one of whom needs to end their season with another team. Whichever goalie remains should split starts with McElhinney. Right now, Scott Darling looks to be the odd man out. His last two outings against the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Islanders resulted in 4-1 losses for Carolina. There seems to be little chemistry between Darling and the rest of the team. The defense is playing very panicky in front of him and the offense isn’t given the proper time to create plays that will lead to goals. Meanwhile opposing teams have found it easy to burn past the panicking defensemen and score goals on Scott’s nervous goaltending. His best games this season have come against his former team, the Chicago Blackhawks. His numbers overall this season have been terrible, and he is being paid handsomely for very little return.

So what should Carolina do about Scott Darling, who still has two years remaining on his $16.6 million dollar contract after this season? While the easy thing to do is place Scott on waivers and hope he clears to send him down to Charlotte (where he may have a chance to adjust his play), this would be a huge disservice to Alex Nedeljkovic and his development. The harsh reality is that Scott should be asked to submit his 15 team list required by his modified NTC and a trade partner should be found. There are many teams that have been ailed with injuries that can see Darling as a necessary addition. The Kings, Lightning, Flyers, and Penguins all have goalies on the IR. While Carolina might be hesitant to trade to a division rival, teams like Tampa Bay or Pittsburgh might have something to offer for a former Stanley Cup winner.

Now, there are those who say that the three headed monster should remain in Raleigh. What does it hurt to keep three on the roster? After all, both Darling and Mrazek have experienced injuries that have sidelined them for over a week, which is how the Canes ended up grabbing McElhinney in the first place. What if it were to happen again? Who would be the backup then? Well, we would have to draw one of the goalies from Charlotte. Again, we wouldn’t want to hurt Alex Nedeljkovic’s continued development with the AHL-leading Checkers. So let me introduce you to goaltending wonder Callum Booth.

If Mrazek or McElhinney go down for any reason it is Booth, not Nedeljkovic, who should be the one brought up. It will give the fans in Carolina a teaser of what the future of goaltending for the Carolina Hurricanes would look like. And it looks pretty good. Keeping Darling on the roster doesn’t help Darling, and it definitely doesn’t help the Carolina Hurricanes. While Carolina might be forced to retain some of his salary a trade will definitely bring in assets that can be used later.