Blackhawks Recall, Extend Darling -- A Potential Precursor
By Chris Emma-
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Minutes after the Blackhawks returned to the locker room following their ugly 6-2 loss to the Bruins on Sunday, general manager Stan Bowman made an unusual appearance.
What happened behind closed doors remains private, as players declined to discuss what was said, but it certainly spelled something coming for the Blackhawks. On Sunday evening, Bowman made some moves.
The Blackhawks sent goaltender Antti Raanta and rookie winger Scott Hartman to the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, while recalling forward Joakim Nordstrom and goalie Scott Darling.
Later, Chicago gave Darling, the 26-year-old rookie from Lemont, a two-year extension through 2017. He is 5-2-0 on the season with a goals against average of 1.97 and a .927 save percentage.
Between the exit of Raanta -- who surrendered two goals Sunday -- and the contractual vote of confidence for Darling that cleared up cap space for a trade, it appears further changes could be coming. The Blackhawks have had scouts working their way through the NHL and are surveying the trade market with nearly a week until the deadline.
After a troubling weekend for the Blackhawks and some unusual activity after Sunday's game, it appears these moves could be setting up more to come.