NHL Free Agents: Cam Ward – Rumors, Best Fits

NHL Free Agents Cam Ward: Latest Rumors, FA Profile, 5 Best Fits

While there is still a chance that Cam Ward may re-sign with the Carolina Hurricanes, we must also entertain the idea that he joins the hefty class of NHL free agents in the summer of 2016.

For Ward, Carolina is the only team he’s ever known. He burst onto the scene during the 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs stealing the starter role from Martin Gerber as a rookie, leading the Canes to their first Stanley Cup win.

Cam Ward, 32, was originally taken 25th overall back in 2002 as a WHL standout for the Red Deer Rebels.

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After bursting onto the scene, capturing a Cup win, Ward followed it up with a few successful seasons which earned him that big-ticket contract that is just now expiring.

Unfortunately, he ran into injury problems constantly throughout the past half-decade or so, which is somewhat to blame for Carolina’s woes given how unreliable a starter Cam Ward has been.

It’s strange though, when he managed to put together a long healthy stretch, he was among the best in the league. Often Ward has found himself in the conversation for Team Canada participation internationally.

It seemed the plan in 2015-16 was to give Cam Ward extra rest by bringing in Eddie Lack to carry some of the load. After appearing in 52 games, it seems the experiment may have worked.

His overall performance could have been better, but it’s a tandem that Ron Francis can consider keeping together until a younger option emerges (i.e. Alex Nedeljkovic).

Cam Ward’s Resume:

– WHL Top Goaltender and CHL Second All-Star Team (2001-02)
– WHL Top Goaltender, WHL Player of the Year, and CHL First All-Star Team (2003-04)
– AHL All-Rookie Team (2004-05)
– Stanley Cup Win, Conn Smythe Trophy (Playoff MVP) – 2006 (as a rookie)
– Three World Hockey Championship (Team Canada) Appearances (’07, ’08, ’12) – Gold in 2007
– NHL All-Star Game appearance (2010-11)
– Credited with a Goal on Arrant Pass (see below)

NHL Free Agents: Cam Ward Rumors/Speculation

via Sportsnet,

His high price tag made Ward almost impossible to trade, but he should still garner attention on a thin goalie market. Expect a pay cut come July 1.

“I’ve made it clear that this is where I’d like to be,” Ward said. “I’m proud to have been a Hurricane and to have been here for as many years as I have.”

Ward told Sportsnet 590 The Fan on May 19 that he’s still in wait-and-see mode.

GM Ron Francis’s response: “We have to do our due diligence. We have to make sure we’re making a decision that makes the organization better. That may be signing Cam; that may be going in a different direction.”

The two sides plan to meet in early June. Francis will be looking at trade and free agent options as well.

Potential Contract for Cam Ward