Alex Auld, a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender, embarked on his NHL journey after being drafted 40th overall by the Florida Panthers in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. Although initially drafted by the Panthers, Auld's early career was largely associated with the Vancouver Canucks, where he began to gain recognition. He made his NHL debut with the Canucks during the 2001-2002 season, stepping in as a backup goaltender.
Auld's role with the Canucks expanded during the 2005-2006 season when he became the starting goaltender due to an injury to Dan Cloutier. During this period, Auld played in 67 games, posting a 33-26-6 record, which helped the Canucks remain competitive in the Western Conference. His performance that season was a highlight of his career, showcasing his ability to handle the pressures of being a starting goaltender in the NHL.
Following his tenure with the Canucks, Auld was traded to the Florida Panthers in a multi-player deal that included star goaltender Roberto Luongo. His time with the Panthers was short-lived, as he played only one season before moving on to the Phoenix Coyotes. Auld's stint with the Coyotes was brief, and he soon found himself on the move again, this time to the Boston Bruins.
In Boston, Auld served as a reliable backup goaltender during the 2007-2008 season. His steady presence in the net provided the Bruins with depth at the goaltending position. After his time in Boston, Auld signed with the Ottawa Senators, where he played for the 2008-2009 season. During his time with the Senators, he shared goaltending duties and contributed to the team's efforts in the Eastern Conference.
Auld's career continued with several more team changes, including stints with the Dallas Stars, New York Rangers, and a return to the Montreal Canadiens, where he had previously played during the 2006-2007 season. His role with these teams varied, often serving as a backup goaltender and providing veteran experience to younger players.
Throughout his career, Auld was known for his size and composure in the net. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, his presence was felt on the ice, and he was respected for his professionalism and work ethic. Despite frequently changing teams, Auld remained a dependable option for NHL franchises looking for goaltending depth.
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