Coyotes Sign Defenseman Aucoin to Two-Year Extension

The Phoenix Coyotes announced on Thursday that they have signed defenseman Adrian Aucoin to a two-year contract extension worth $4 million. The deal will pay him $1.8 million next season and $2.2 million during the 2011-12 season. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. In all 82 games last season with the Coyotes, Aucoin had eight goals and 20 assists for 28 points. In 933 career NHL games with the Vancouver Canucks, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, and Phoenix Coyotes, he has 116 goals and 248 assists for 364 points. This is a good move for the Coyotes, as Aucoin still has decent puck-moving skills and is a proven leader on the ice. He was a good addition for the Coyotes last summer and should maintain that success over the next two seasons.