bluemeanie
8-02-05, 10:51 AM
TSN
8/2/2005 10:09:57 AM
The Chicago Blackhawks have signed free agent defenseman Adrian Aucoin to a four year deal worth $16-million.
Originally drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 1992, Aucoin had been with the New York Islanders since a 2001 trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"Adrian Aucoin was one of the top players we had targeted," said Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon. "He's a smart hockey player, logs lots of ice time, and is a solid two-way player who has an excellent shot from the point. He possesses excellent leadership skills and is a character player. He is also a classy individual who fits in perfectly with our organization."
In three seasons with the Islanders, Aucoin notched 33 goals and 80 assists. Aucoin played in 81 games for the Islanders during the 2003-04 season, averaging nearly 27 minutes of ice-time while being named to his first NHL All-Star Game. That season saw him register 13 goals, 31 assists for 44 points which led all Islanders defensemen in scoring.
Related Info
During the lockout he played for MoDo of the Swedish Elite League, scoring two goals and four assists in 14 games.
Tallon says he had a number of conversations with player agents on Monday, the first day of free agency, and is hopeful of making more announcement.
"We were like an old fisherman-trolling. We were finding out interest [from potential signees] and receiving calls. It was exciting," he tells the Chicago Sun Times.
"We made some offers and tried to sell the benefits of coming to the Chicago Blackhawks. And some came at us with some offers."
The Philadelphia Flyers were also reportedly interested in Aucoin but agent Larry Kelly said they dropped out because the asking price was considered too high.
8/2/2005 10:09:57 AM
The Chicago Blackhawks have signed free agent defenseman Adrian Aucoin to a four year deal worth $16-million.
Originally drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 1992, Aucoin had been with the New York Islanders since a 2001 trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"Adrian Aucoin was one of the top players we had targeted," said Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon. "He's a smart hockey player, logs lots of ice time, and is a solid two-way player who has an excellent shot from the point. He possesses excellent leadership skills and is a character player. He is also a classy individual who fits in perfectly with our organization."
In three seasons with the Islanders, Aucoin notched 33 goals and 80 assists. Aucoin played in 81 games for the Islanders during the 2003-04 season, averaging nearly 27 minutes of ice-time while being named to his first NHL All-Star Game. That season saw him register 13 goals, 31 assists for 44 points which led all Islanders defensemen in scoring.
Related Info
During the lockout he played for MoDo of the Swedish Elite League, scoring two goals and four assists in 14 games.
Tallon says he had a number of conversations with player agents on Monday, the first day of free agency, and is hopeful of making more announcement.
"We were like an old fisherman-trolling. We were finding out interest [from potential signees] and receiving calls. It was exciting," he tells the Chicago Sun Times.
"We made some offers and tried to sell the benefits of coming to the Chicago Blackhawks. And some came at us with some offers."
The Philadelphia Flyers were also reportedly interested in Aucoin but agent Larry Kelly said they dropped out because the asking price was considered too high.