The Phoenix Coyotes sign goaltender Alex Auld to a one year deal. For Auld, his numbers last season with the Florida Panthers were not that great with a record of 7-13, 3.34 goals against average, and a save percentage of .888. Like David Aebsicher, Auld’s career numbers are much better; in 108 games played, he has 46-44-2 record with a 2.89 GAA and a .902 save percentage.

Both goaltenders that have been acquired by the Coyotes have something to prove. Aebischer was the next one behind Patrick Roy in Colorado and Auld was the Canucks Most Valuable Player in 2005-2006. However, lately they have been a shell of their former selves.

Having three goaltenders, plus one semi-prospect in David LeNeveu who played in the AHL most of last season, will create a fierce competition for the number one position, but if Aebischer’s and Auld’s numbers and skills hold during training camp, Mikael Tellqvist might be on his way out. I wonder which of the two would likely be viewed as the insurance goaltender of record in case one of the pair does not play up to form?

Of course, Tellqvist could be used as a potential trading asset for another team, or could be sent down as well.

General Manager Don Maloney and head coach Wayne Gretzky could have gotten a potential goaltending tandem in both of these acquisitions, and now we await word on the re-signing of Keith Ballard.

Original post by PB

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