The Islanders, under new ownership for a year now, were ready to make a splash through the trade route at the annual draft in 2001. On draft day GM Mike Milbury acquired perennial all-star center Alexei Yashin and on the second day of the draft acquired future captain Michael Peca. But arguably the biggest deal he made was the day before the draft when Milbury sent struggling prospect Mathieu Biron and a second round pick in 2001 to Tampa Bay in exchange for Aucoin and Alexander Kharitonov on June 22nd, 2001. No one knew at the time, but Aucoin would go on to help form the big three on defense along with Roman Hamrlik and Kenny Jonsson. 'Okie' gained so much respect from Islanders coach Peter Laviolette that he would often play Adrian close to 30 minutes a game some nights. In fact in 2001-02 he finished second in average ice time to only Chris Pronger of the St. Louis Blues. He also tied his career high in points with 34 and his 12 goals were his second best season output. Aucoin turned out to be a steal for the New York Islanders and at age 28 he is still in the prime of his career.

Update: Prior to the lockout season of 2004-05, Aucoin fled for arbitration as a Group II free agent and on August 7, 2004 was awarded a one year deal worth $4.25 million, a raise of $1 million from his 2003-04 salary of $3.25 million. GM Mike Milbury, who had great respect for Aucoin's ability, agreed to the contract. "Adrian has been an outstanding player for us and he deserves a raise," said Milbury. "We're looking forward to another excellent season from Adrian." But the season of 2004-05 never came once the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NHL and the players association came to an end. When a new deal was announced in early July 2005, the NHL ruled all 2004-05 contracts as void and they would not carry over. So the 32 year old Aucoin, along with fellow blue line teammate Roman Hamrlik, became an unrestricted free agent effective August 1, 2005. The Islanders wanted to keep him, but this time around were unwilling to give Aucoin a long term $4 million plus a year deal. Milbury's best offer was a 4 year deal believed to be worth $12 million. Adrian was heavily coveted by many teams around the league including Montreal, Atlanta and Columbus. The Philadelphia Flyers were interested but dropped out believing the price tag was too high. On August 2, 2005 Aucoin decided to go with the Chicago Blackhawks on a 4 year deal worth $16 million. 

Milbury expressed disappointment in losing Aucoin, whose career flourished as an Islander. "I think we found ourselves very fortunate to watch him develop into an All-Star defenseman," he said. "I would have loved to have had him stay here."

No one could have foreseen the horrible season Aucoin would go on to have in 2005-06. He missed 4 games in October with a mild groin strain, which had been a nagging injury throughout his Islander days. In late January 2006, Aucoin suffered a dislocated shoulder and missed the rest of the season. Named the 32nd captain in Blackhawks history, Aucoin only saw action in 33 games recording 1 goal and 6 points.

Fast Fact: Aucoin had career season's in points in each of his three years with the Islanders. His play for the Islanders in 2003-04 earned him an appearance in the NHL All-Star Game for the first time in his career. He recorded a goal for the Eastern Conference.