Darling: Signing extension with Hurricanes was 'no-brainer'

Once Scott Darling was dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes last week, he knew he'd be signing a contract extension with the club.

The former Chicago Blackhawks backup goalie - who could have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 - inked a four-year, $16.6-million deal with the Hurricanes on Friday, which the 28-year-old said was an easy decision.

"Once we worked out the contract part, it was a no-brainer," Darling said, according to NHL.com's Brian Hedger.

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The Hurricanes are just Darling's second NHL team after the goaltender debuted with Chicago in the 2014-15 campaign.

"I'm so proud to have played for the Blackhawks," Darling said. "I've loved the team since I was a little kid."

Darling posted a .924 save percentage and a 2.38 goals-against average over 32 games this season - better than Chicago starter Corey Crawford in fewer games, and stronger numbers than both Cam Ward and Eddie Lack in Carolina, suggesting the Hurricanes and Darling may just be a perfect match.