NHL: The best goalie from each franchise’s history (Updated 2023)

Best NHL goalie from each franchise: Carolina Hurricanes – Cam Ward

It was not all that long ago that goalie Cam Ward was winning a ton of hockey games and being so good at what he did, even the best-scoring players couldn’t figure him out. Ward spent well over a decade being an anchor on the Hurricanes after his incredible rookie season with the team back in 2005.

Once Ward got promoted to being a starting goalie for the Hurricanes, the rest is NHL history. Not only did he do his part to win 14 games during the regular season, but he also went on to 15 more in the Stanley Cup playoffs straight to a championship. He posted two shutouts as many couldn’t believe a rookie of such caliber stepped right in to take care of business with ease and precision.

It was truly a magical season for the Hurricanes as Ward’s incredible play earned the Hurricanes their first-ever Stanley Cup in franchise history. He even won the Conn Smythe Trophy after being named MVP of that surreal playoff run. He was the first goaltender to ever win it all as a rookie since the mid-80s, as he made an impact immediately upon arrival.

Ward eventually retired in 2019 after a long career mostly with the Hurricanes and a brief stint with the Chicago Blackhawks. He will forever be remembered by Hurricanes fans across the globe as he still owns the franchise record for most wins at 218 and most shutouts at 27 which will more than likely not be broken anytime soon.