One of the keys to getting Alex Auld as backup goalie is that Marc Crawford trusts him.
Joe Nieuwendyk said he knew the trust issue was a factor for the backup goalie last season.
But with news that the Islanders signed Martin Biron to a one-year contract for $1.4 million, you have to wonder if that would have been a better option at backup goalie (Auld is under contract for one year and $1 million).
Auld has been great in the backup role the past two seasons, but Biron is a legitimate No. 1 goalie who could have really pushed Marty Turco.
Biron had 29 wins in Philadelphia last season and 30 the year before. He has a career .911 save percentage. He also appears ready to accept whatever situation he's in, as the Islanders already have Rick DiPietro and Dwayne Roloson under contract (a strange situation, to say the least).
That said, Philadelphia probably could have signed him to a similar deal, but instead chose Ray Emery at $1.5 million for one year. Maybe Biron wouldn't sign for that at the time and he has only now been worn down by free agency. Maybe he knows he will get a good chance on the Island because of DiPietro's injuries. Maybe the Stars scouts didn't like him or management didn't want to push Turco so much as support him.
It just seems that, on the surface, Biron would be a better option as a backup than Auld, but I guess we'll wait and see.
_Mike Heika
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