Aulie; A Key Part of the Phaneuf Deal
Posted 4:30 PM ET | Comments 0
Remember Sunday, January 31st, 2010 when the Toronto Maple Leafs announced two blockbuster trades, in which they acquired defenceman Dion Phaneuf, forward Fredrik Sjostrom, Goalie J.S Giguere, and lastly defenceman prospect Keith Aulie.
On that day, Leafs Nation was not quite sure who Keith Aulie was and what future contributions he would make to the team. Keith Aulie has proven himself to be a well acquired asset. He has been a difference maker for the club!
During the Mid-Season, the Leafs announced two trades that shipped out two important defencemen: Francois Beauchemen and Tomas Kaberle. This left the gates open for two new defencemen to step up in the departure of the two. Well, if you haven't realized yet, one defenceman who surely stepped up was Keith Aulie. Aulie has averaged about 23 and a half minutes of ice time on the top defensive pairing with Physical Captain Dion Phaneuf.
The majority of the people are judging Aulie by his statistics. Although he has yet to register in the 22 games he has played in, and although he has a -8 rating, he has a physical presence and a great defensive ability. He tends to play a little aggressive at times and causes his team penalties. However, his positives definitely out weigh his negatives.
I strongly believe Aulie will be a key player for this organization for many years to come! Aulie has exceeded expectations, and has constantly play his physical game, and that is what the Leafs will need to be successful! Thus, I would categorize him as a "Stud"!
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF KEITH AULIE?!
Justin De Maria- Follow me on twitter:justin_kessel
Check out my facebook page: Toronto Maple Leafs 24/7!
On that day, Leafs Nation was not quite sure who Keith Aulie was and what future contributions he would make to the team. Keith Aulie has proven himself to be a well acquired asset. He has been a difference maker for the club!
During the Mid-Season, the Leafs announced two trades that shipped out two important defencemen: Francois Beauchemen and Tomas Kaberle. This left the gates open for two new defencemen to step up in the departure of the two. Well, if you haven't realized yet, one defenceman who surely stepped up was Keith Aulie. Aulie has averaged about 23 and a half minutes of ice time on the top defensive pairing with Physical Captain Dion Phaneuf.
The majority of the people are judging Aulie by his statistics. Although he has yet to register in the 22 games he has played in, and although he has a -8 rating, he has a physical presence and a great defensive ability. He tends to play a little aggressive at times and causes his team penalties. However, his positives definitely out weigh his negatives.
I strongly believe Aulie will be a key player for this organization for many years to come! Aulie has exceeded expectations, and has constantly play his physical game, and that is what the Leafs will need to be successful! Thus, I would categorize him as a "Stud"!
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF KEITH AULIE?!
Justin De Maria- Follow me on twitter:justin_kessel
Check out my facebook page: Toronto Maple Leafs 24/7!