I see a domain expiring from Tucows that does not look like the owner will be renewing.

Just short of th 30-45 days that Tucows will hold onto it, what do you guys suggest as the best method of registering that domain.

I assume Afternic - and just put in a *domain-keyword* search alert with them ---since they are the auction partner for Tucows.

Yep. That's what I'd do. (although I haven't tried bidding on a TuCows dropping domain yet at Afternic)