Once the Los Angeles Kings "insurance policy" in goal, 30-year-old Jean-Sebastien Aubin has been shipped to the Monarchs with an uncertain future as a spare part.
Aubin, who has played parts of eight seasons in the NHL, skated in morning practice in Verizon Wireless Arena but did not play last night against Philidelphia. Aubin was granted leave so he could drive home to Quebec and collect some personal belongings. An unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, Aubin is expected to finish the season with the Monarchs unless traded.
Kings assistant general manager Ron Hextall said yesterday that packaging Aubin in a trade is possible if there is interest. Another NHL team could acquire Aubin via trade and send him immediately to their AHL affiliate. Hextall added that the Kings will not move any young players in trades. The NHL trade deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 26, and the AHL playoff roster follows shortly after.
