"Next year, we hope he sticks." - GMGM on Keith Aucoin

Everyone's favorite sparkplug is making quite an impression on Capitals General Manager George McPhee.

Here's what he had to say about Aucoin per TEB.

"You don't commit to a one way unless you think the guy can play in the league and can give you a number of games," General Manager George McPhee said. "We still see upside there, and we think he can play. He's been terrific in Hershey and he's been a good callup for us. Next year, we hope he sticks."

Aucoin has five points in his last five NHL games (2-3-5) and of all the Hershey callups this season, he is currently tied for first with Karl Alzner and Tyler Sloan (five points). Aucoin is tied with fellow Hershey Bear Alexandre Giroux for the AHL points lead (94).

With Donald Brashear likely to return from injury soon, and Boyd Gordon to follow afterward, Aucoin's future in Washington is a bit hazy at the moment. Although if Aucoin continues to provide the Capitals with his energetic style of play, and get his name on the scoresheet, he might be trading in an AHL points-scoring title for a chance to make a run at Lord Stanley's Cup.