Backup switch in the works? Raanta or Darling

[BobbyJet]

At least per the team, sounds like they just sent him down to get some ice time prior to the circus trip. As far as we know, he's going to get brought back up and hasn't been demoted.

If true, I don't get why Q would want Raanta between the pipes ahead of Darling. Guess I shouldn't be surprised, however.

 

[hisgirlfriday]

The only possibility I see for Raanta staying in Rockford is Hawks not wanting to use IR for some reason and using the Darling cap savings plus a Nordstrom demotion to be able to call up a more expensive Dman to replace TvR.

 

[Fortyfives]

I don't know where to post this so here goes:

Chris Kuc ‏@ChrisKuc 24m24 minutes ago
Wouldn't surprise me if #Blackhawks made a move with their backup goaltender soon. Can see Scott Darling possibly replacing Antti Raanta.

 

[hisgirlfriday]

Well that's vague.

Is he talking a trade or an AHL demotion?

 

[No Fun Shogun]

Wouldn't be shocked, but no clue. I mean... I don't think that we'd really get much for either of them, so if a backup change is in the works I'd just expect a swap.

And went ahead and moved this to a more relevant topic.

 

[BobbyJet]

Sounds like mere guess work by Kris..........

however, I can see Hawks swapping Darling for Raanta to get Raanta some game time in RFD. He must be getting sick of warming the bench, and I also wouldn't mind seeing Darling get another start with Hawks.

 

[x Tame Impala]

Personally not sold on either of those two enough to justify trading one, and keeping the other. Both have a lot more to prove IMO.

Damn, i know it's not true but it feels like Crawford has played every game this year and we rarely see our back up goalies.

 

[Callidusblackhawk]

Crawford plays all the games anyway... If they really like Darling more than Raanta they should just leave him in Rockford so he can actually play.

 

[Fortyfives]

Crawford plays all the games anyway... If they really like Darling more than Raanta they should just leave him in Rockford so he can actually play.

I agree with this though if that's the case I'd rather they trade Raanta and bring up Leighton.

 

[plank]

Dallas maybe? they need a backup, why not add another Finn. Would the Hawks want to help out a rival?

 

[BobbyJet]

Crawford plays all the games anyway... If they really like Darling more than Raanta they should just leave him in Rockford so he can actually play.

Which is exactly what they are doing but I think CC gets some games off very soon. I can see Friday for example vs Habs at home. Looking at the busy schedule ahead, it's possible we see a back-up for the following dates Dec 9,13,21,23.

I reckon that I'd rather see Darling in CC's place but Hawks could do a juggling act (depending how each fares) to get both Raanta and Darling in games before the new year.

 

[hisgirlfriday]

Crawford plays all the games anyway... If they really like Darling more than Raanta they should just leave him in Rockford so he can actually play.

Unless the Hawks are freeing up cap room to make another move.

 

[LandofLincoln*]

Raanta.. is my choice although not an easy one. Darling is having a career year.

 

[bwana63]

I have no problem whatsoever w/a swap. Raanta needs to play.

 

[Blackhawkswincup]

Hope it happens

Maybe Stan can get a 4th rounder for Raanta on trade market

 

[poes law]

Personally not sold on either of those two enough to justify trading one, and keeping the other. Both have a lot more to prove IMO.

Damn, i know it's not true but it feels like Crawford has played every game this year and we rarely see our back up goalies.

Agree with this. Neither has shown enough that we should feel comfortable if the other is completely out of the organization tomorrow. The value of having both as options should the worst happen and something happens to Crawford significantly outweighs whatever value they bring back in a trade.

 

[w00d]

It's important to note that both Raanta and Darling lose their waiver exemption next season due to their ages, so the Hawks will have to pick one or the other going forward.

 

[No Fun Shogun]

Goaltending coach Jimmy Waite's apparently in net for today's practice.

.... what?

 

[hisgirlfriday]

Maybe he got inspired by Brodeur to mount a comeback.

 

[mtxed]

I don't know where to post this so here goes:

Chris Kuc ‏@ChrisKuc 24m24 minutes ago
Wouldn't surprise me if #Blackhawks made a move with their backup goaltender soon. Can see Scott Darling possibly replacing Antti Raanta.

So he saw Crawford's injury coming from a mile away?

 

[Martin Riggs]

I knew we should've signed Brodeur..




(Just kidding)

 

[No Fun Shogun]

2-3 weeks to see what Raanta and Darling can do, I guess.

 

[londonHK]

It's important to note that both Raanta and Darling lose their waiver exemption next season due to their ages, so the Hawks will have to pick one or the other going forward.

Tough decision, but such a nice dilemma to have, compared to some of the other teams in the league.

 

[Kaners PPGs]

Tough decision, but such a nice dilemma to have, compared to some of the other teams in the league.

Pair Raanta and Bicks in that trade to Edmonton. Done and done.

 

[zac]

I think Raanta is the more talented of the two. What gets most people is that he consistently looks "out of sorts" even when he's in control, if that makes sense. He'll make an awesome, tough save, but then makes the routine stuff look very frenetic. I think that's just the way he is. Darling on the other hand is smoother, which gives the perception of him being better. If it comes to needing someone to make the tougher, more spectacular save, I chose Raanta.

This year I don't think it really matter who we have in net as our defense has been outstanding...and that's the most important thing. But if our defense reverts back to being sloppy in subsequent years, and past history indicates that it will, I think Raanta will be the better goalie for that going forward. I think he has the ability to make those frenetic saves (consistently) whereas I haven't seen that from Darling.

Honestly I don't think it will make a huge difference who we retain either way. We're in a really good spot right now.