GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) – The Phoenix Coyotes traded goaltender Alex Auld to the Boston Bruins on Thursday in exchange for a minor league player and a fifth-round pick in the 2009 NHL draft.

The trade comes as Boston’s goaltending corps has been hit by a rash of injuries and health problems.

The 26-year-old Auld was 3-6 with a 3.54 goals against average and one shutout in nine games this season, his first with Phoenix. In 117 career games, Auld has a 49-50-2-11 record with a 2.94 goals-against average.

Boston goalie Tim Thomas left Wednesday’s 4-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils with an apparent leg injury.

Offseason acquisition Manny Fernandez was placed on the long term injured reserve list Thursday with back and knee injuries, and assigned to the Providence Bruins for conditioning.

Rookie Jordan Siglet, who was called up from Providence earlier this season, is out indefinitely after a flare-up of his multiple sclerosis.

The Coyotes get Nate DiCasmirro, a 29-year-old forward who has played 20 games this season with Providence.

AP-ES-12-06-07 1922EST