What is going on in Carolina?

[Stalinism]

So is McElhinney the number 1? Is Mrazek? Is Darling even on the team? I've got McElhinney and if he's not a starter he isn't even worth keeping.

[Pengwin7]

I think Darling is out.
The current GM (Waddell) is different from the previous GM (Francis) that gave Darling a big contract.
Some consider that contract the dagger in Francis' tenure as Canes GM.

So Waddell is going to avoid tying himself to that notion... by avoiding having Darling in the NHL (unless injury requires it).
McElhinney/Mrazek for rest-of-season (ROS) unless one gets injured.

Brind'Amour will go with whoever is hot.
Canes are favourites of the hockey analytics crowds (myself included) because they have a super high shot-differential right now.
They SHOULD be winning 60% of their games based on shot different and getting AVERAGE-ISH goaltending.

So... they, the Canes have a LOT of potential to be a good team .

I think Mrazek (only age 26) is actually more talented, but McElhinney (age 35) is a veteran and a calmer presence.
Worth noting is that McElhinney was once 26... had a couple good seasons with ANA & OTT... flopped around a bit.
Settled in as a non-flashy back-up in CBJ and then started putting up reliable SV% again in 2016-2017 at the age of 33...

Goalies are weird.
On the right team, maybe the right age, the right demeanour - they can really flourish.

But one thing is clear, GMs like to "do their own thing".
And I think that will keep Darling away from having a chance to be the Canes #1 goaltender.
Waddell can take credit for both the Mrazek signing and the McElhinney plucking off waivers.
So those'll be the guys.

[FantasyKing]

They are just gonna ride the hot hand between mrazek and mcelhinney