Aucoin was the first free-agent signing this off-season for St Louis. He could end up in a rotation centering the fourth and sometimes third line. His signing helped to shore things up at center, but he could also see time on the wing. He will most likely be on your waiver to start the season.
Aucoin has been a prolific AHL scorer, but hasn't really been able to translate that into NHL success. And at 33, he's unlikely to find that extra gear now. Still, he provides the AHL Marlies with talent in the first-line pivot spot, and can help in a pinch with the big club should that be required.
Aucoin is a lifetime minor leaguer, who gets a call-up now and again. His most games in one year in the NHL was 38, and he has not played in more than 12 in any other season. He is undersized and already at 32 years of age will not be figured into the Caps plans.
Aucoin is a career AHL player and at age 31 does not have much upside. He does make for a good veteran call-up when needed. He made nine appearances in Washington last year and do not look for that number to rise too much this season.
Aucoin has played in the league for four years, but has been more of a call-up player than anything. He has played in over 20 games in only one of those four years. Aucoin is a grinding center, but lacks height, but definitely makes that up with pride. He gives it his all every time he is on the ice. This will be his second and last year of his contract with the Caps so he needs to make an impression.
Aucoin split his last season between the Hurricanes and the AHL. In 38 games for Carolina, he scored five goals, eight assists, and finished with a plus 3 rating. He'll give the Caps some depth on one the wing, assuming he makes the roster. The 29 year old is small at 5-foot-8, but quick, and will have no value if he does make the squad.
Aucoin has figured out how to thrive in the AHL, but will have a hard time cracking the Carolina lineup unless someone ahead of him gets hurt. He'll turn 29 in November, which is a bit old to be considered a great prospect.
Aucoin can score at the minor league level, but has yet to prove that he can do so in the NHL. He may again spend a season shuttling back and forth between the two leagues. His size (5-9, 187) may make him vulnerable to bigger, more physical players.
Aucoin is a relatively short, stocky center who will probably wind up on the third or fourth line with Carolina, and score correspondingly few points. If you're looking for a third or fourth line center on the Hurricanes, you have an incredibly deep league.
