Adrian Aucoin and Ray Whitney Have Left The Pack

As expected, Ray Whitney signed for a team that offered him a multi-year contract. That team was Dallas. At 4 million per year plus $500,000 bonus for 2 years. If you read what I wrote about him yesterday, it was to offer him 4 million per year for 2 years. Tomorrow I will heal the lame.

Adrian is going to Columbus for 2 million on a 1 year deal. Oakie, who turns 40 tomorrow, is playing one more year of professional hockey and getting paid handsomely. The travel for Columbus is not good, constantly flying West for conference games with the exception of Nashville. I may be wrong and missing one team, I’m was not a geography major.

When you read what Ray said after the Kings series, you could tell he was going after the multi-year contract. It was almost he was doing it for defiance. “You think I am too old? I’ll show you” is what I took out of his statements. It’s too bad. He is beloved by the fans and his teammates. There are plenty of Mite and Squirt players who wanted to wear #13 as a tribute to Ray. I know of one fan who asked his parents to call him Wizard when he was playing baseball as a testament to the power Ray had over his fans. He will help whatever line he is put on look like champions and have an whole new audience for Where’s Whitney.

When you think about 40 year old defenseman, Nic Lindstrom comes to mind. An outstanding, once-in-a-generation type who plays all aspects of the defensive position at an extremely high level. Adrian is a leader as shown by wearing the C in Chicago and the A at times for the Coyotes. The Closer did something few have done. He made Dave Tippett smile after a game winning shootout goal. He’ll help the Blue Jackets turn the team and restore order. As a veteran cop would help the rookie office, Adrian will be able to bring his experience and be the voice of experience. A Vic Mackey to a Curtis Lemansky.

Farewell to Ray and Adrian. On behalf of Howlin’ Hockey and thousands of Coyotes fans, thank you for coming here and helping out the franchise. You gave us many memories that will continue.