The Carolina Hurricanes have made the first move in shoring up their goaltending for the 2017-18 season. General manager Ron Francis today announced that the Canes have acquired the negotiating rights to Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Scott Darling. The team sent the Ottawa Senators’ 2017 third-round pick, acquired at the trade deadline for forward Viktor Stalberg to Chicago in exchange for Darling. Darling’s contract expires on July 1, when he can become an unrestricted free agent. Carolina will have exclusive negotiating rights until then.

The 28-year-old netminder went 18-5-5 with a 2.38 goals-against average and .924 save percentage in 32 appearances for the Blackhawks this season.

“Scott had a very successful season in Chicago and was a big part of the Blackhawks finishing with the best record in the Western Conference,” Francis said in the team’s official press release. “He played a critical role on Chicago’s 2015 championship team.”

The move addresses arguably the Canes’ greatest weakness last season, as the team gave up the 13th-most goals against per game last season at 2.80, and ranked 26th with a .901 team save percentage. Francis expressed an intent to address the goaltending at his exit interview, and this move is the first step in doing so. Signing Darling would give the Canes three goalies under contract for next season, with Cam Ward and Eddie Lack already locked in. If Darling signs, it would seem another move at goaltender to get down to two on the roster is likely.