Auld will serve as Craig Anderson's backup for the 2011-12 season and should see upwards of 20 games of action. With Ottawa's rebuild in full effect, the veteran netminder will have a tough time matching the numbers he put up as Carey Price's backup in Montreal the previous season. Another thing to note is that Ottawa's management has made it clear that should Anderson go down with an injury, they're more than prepared to bring up highly touted goaltending prospect Robin Lehner from Binghamton to serve as the No. 1, with Auld remaining as the backup. The fantasy numbers simply won't be there this season.
Auld was brought in to back up starter Carey Price for the 2010-11 season. This is a good signing by the Habs in case the Price salary negotiations run into the early part of camp or preseason. The most likely expectations for Auld, though, should be minimal playing time unless Price is moved.
Auld was brought in to back up Marty Turco on the heels of a season where he made 38 starts for Ottawa. Dallas struggled to find a reliable backup to Turco, never fully trusting Tobias Stephan, after years of being able to have a young netminder as a backup. Auld won't play near as much as he did in Ottawa, and shouldn't impose on Turco's playing time even with a new coaching regime in place. Look for around 15-20 starts this season.
Auld will be Ottawa's backup goalie this year and should see upwards of 25 games. That being said, if Martin Gerber falters for a long stretch this season then Auld may have a decent shot at winning the starter's role.
Alex Auld comes to the Phoenix Coyotes by way of the Florida Panthers. The one time MVP of the Vancouver Canucks, he looks to regain his earlier form that he has lost. Auld will have to compete against three other goaltenders for the chance to be the Coyotes number one goaltender.
By trading away Roberto Luongo for Auld et al, the Panthers have essentially given the young goalie the keys to the car. But by signing Ed Belfour later in the summer, they essentially put a governor on that car, too. And so fantasy expectations must be modest, keeping in mind that the team would love to see Auld step up and win the starting job. The Panthers have a revamped team from top to bottom, so it's reasonable to think Auld will get 55 games under his belt with numbers close to those he put up last year in Vancouver - a 2.94 goals-against average and .902 save percentage.
Will battle recently signed Brent Johnson for backup role to Dan Cloutier. Auld is a terrific prospect with skills and potential to be a first string netminder in the NHL. Not the most limber netmider in the world, but he's excellent at playing angles.
