Scott Darling on the NHL assistance program: “F*ck them! They’re monsters!

Scott Darling didn’t have a long NHL career. He played five seasons and 126 games on the Bettman circuit, and has decided to retire at the start of the 2020-2021 season.

Today, the former NHL goaltender is a comedian.

But you’re probably wondering why I’m telling you about Scott Darling on this warm Tuesday in November. Well, the former Hawks and Hurricanes man was on the “What Chaos!” podcast hosted by DJ Bean and Pete Blackburn, and he poured his heart out about the NHL’s assistance program.

F*ck them! […] I’ve told players never to ask for help from the program. They’re monsters. – Scott Darling

“Fuck them…they’re monsters”

Scott Darling on the NHL/NHLPA’s player assistance program pic.twitter.com/pZmmxFBkPD

– What Chaos! (@WhatChaosShow) November 28, 2023

Whoa.

Darling has struggled with substance abuse throughout his career and has used the NHL’s player assistance program.

He says it was like being in prison, in that he felt controlled by the league.

The former goalie also says the problem is that the people running the program don’t want to help.

“If you don’t trust the people who are supposed to help you, why would you go and ask for help? And you can tell from his words that he was really emotional when he talked about this situation.

Scott Darling even advises players to seek support elsewhere because they’re insured.

We don’t know exactly what happened to Darling when he turned to the program, but to hear him talk, he never received the support he needed. And if that’s the case, it’s a big problem. This goes a long way.

It’s (another) dark cloud hanging over the NHL’s head, and the league’s image is taking another hit.

Breaking news

– Devon Levi is sent back to the AHL.

– Hehe.

With Ryan Johansen and Jonathan Drouin, the #Avs have two guys who go by “Jo.” Drouin has been going by “Dru.”

“He’s older,” Drouin said. “I kind of like the Dru.”

Laughed linemate Tomas Tatar: “I’m not sure what to call when I see any of the Jos have the puck.”

– Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) November 28, 2023

– He’s off to a great start this season.

Nikita Kucherov tops the NHL with 15-21-36 (21 GP) at the quarter mark, on pace for the highest scoring season of his career.#NHLStats: https://t.co/IKUKIYg9PK pic.twitter.com/ejnqntkkG5

– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) November 28, 2023

– Nice. Nice move by Jack Campbell.

So we heard about this goalie of the future, Logan Campbell, and Soup had a surprise for him #condorstown pic.twitter.com/QrDMKVRMzd