It wasn't the most coveted signing of the day, but it is one that answers some questions in the nation's capital.
Alex Auld was inked to a two-year, $2 million deal on Tuesday. His acquisition gives the Senators a backup goalie who can play a fair share of games behind Martin Gerber.
"(Playing in Ottawa) kind of reminds me of what it was like in Vancouver and the other Canadian cities. There's a lot of passion (for hockey) and that's a big draw, playing in your home country and it's our nation's capital, too."—Alex Auld, OttawaSenators.com
After being drafted 40th overall by the Florida Panthers in 1999, Auld has spent most of his time between the NHL and the AHL. In his career he has suited up for Vancouver, Florida, Phoenix, and finished last season with the Boston Bruins.
Auld appeared in 23 games on a Bruins team that used four different goalies last season. In those games he posted a 9-7-5 record with a GAA of 2.32 and a save percentage of 0.919. He also shut out the opposition twice in a Bruins' uniform, as well as once with the Coyotes.
It was actually Bryan Murray who was the general manager in Florida when they decided to draft Auld in the second round.
The previous season in the OHL he finished the season with a 9-20-1 record. Murray and his staff also considered that his North Bay Centennials had a lackluster team and couldn't pass up the 6'4" netminder when he was available.
I can see Auld playing around 30 games with the Senators this season. He will be able to provide stability in net and keep the team in the position to win games when Gerber rests. If Gerber develops any problems with inconsistency, don't be surprised to see coach Craig Hartsburg use Auld more frequently.
Hopefully this new tandem can provide success between the pipes for the Senators this season.
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