The Dallas Stars addressed their need for a quality backup goaltender for Marty Turco today while the Ottawa Senators free up some valuable cap space, as the Senators shipped goaltender Alex Auld to the Stars in exchange for a sixth round pick (originally owned by the San Jose Sharks) in the 2010 entry draft.
Stars general manager Joe Nieuwendyk wasted little time landing Auld, coming one day after losing out in the bidding for Swedish goaltender Jonas Gustavsson.
Auld, 29, has been a career backup and had a pretty good season with a struggling Senators team in 2008-09, with a 16-18-1 record in 41 games, posting a .911 save percentage and a 2.48 goals against average.
He's used to playing twenty or more games in a backup role, which will be invaluable in spelling off Turco, who was overworked last season due to a lack of an experienced backup. Turco will likely see action in 55-60 games next season thanks to the addition of Auld.
As for the Senators, who were sitting $1. 75 million over the salary cap, they're now down to being only $750K over the cap. Pascal LeClaire, acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets during last March's trade deadline, will be the Senators starter, with Brian Elliott as his backup.
Good move for both clubs.