Bruins Re-Sign Aaron Ward

[Thrillhouse]

Boston, MA - Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed defenseman Aaron Ward to a multi-year contract extension.

Ward, a three-time Stanley Cup Champion, appeared in 65 regular season games for the Bruins last year and registered five goals, eight assists and a career high +9 plus/minus rating. The veteran blueliner led the team in blocked shots with 119 and finished third in hits with 143. Of his five goals, three were game-winners, including two in overtime. He played in six of the Bruins playoff games last season and had one assist.

The 35-year-old native of Ottawa, Ontario was originally drafted fifth overall in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft by the Winnipeg Jets and was traded from Winnipeg to Detroit on June 11, 1993 along with a fourth round pick for Paul Ysebaert and future considerations. Ward made his NHL debut with Detroit on October 5, 1993 and would play seven seasons for the Red Wings. He won back-to-back Stanley Cups with Detroit during the 1996-1997 and 1997-1998 campaigns.

On July 9, 2001 Ward was traded to Carolina for a second round pick and he won his third Stanley Cup in 2005-2006 with the Hurricanes. Ward had his best season statistically during Carolina's championship season, as he notched career bests in goals (6), assists (19) and points (25). He then signed with the New York Rangers as a free agent following the '05-'06 season before being traded to the Bruins on February 27, 2007 in exchange for Paul Mara.

The 13-year NHL veteran has seen action in 697 regular season games in his career, tallying 40-88-128 totals and 630 penalty minutes. In 84 postseason contests, he recorded 3-6-9 totals and 71 penalty minutes.

[Smerri1029]

I like it (for the right price). He is a good stay at home defenseman and a good veteran presence in the locker room.

[JKidd]

Good to see Ward get resigned. He played very well for the B's, especially down the stretch, and deserved to get a new deal.

[blackngold]

This is a good move for the Bruins. Ward is a very dependable defenseman out there, overshadowed a lot by Big Z. Ward is all heart and gives up his body for the benefit of the team all the time; he's a shot blocking machine. He is getting up there in age, but he's too good of solid defensive defenseman and a veteran multi-Cup-winning leader to let go.

[blackngold]

Next up: Mark Stuart

[Isles4life]

Ward turned in a very reliable season on the blueline for the Bruins he definitely deserved the re-up, good move by Boston.

[Smerri1029]

2 years at 2.5 million per year

[Blouin]

better you than a Ranger

[thepolishkid88]

Ward is someone i wouldnt mind wearing my teams colors. Good keep Boston.

[Ciccarelli]

I thought they would let him walk, but for 2,5 millions a season its a good move to keep him. Unless he gets injured he is solid and reliable.

[Clutchngrab]

2.5 is rather high. I think he got a raw deal in Ny, believe Jagr had something to do with it.

I would not have given him a 2 yr deal

[Ciccarelli]

Originally Posted by Clutchngrab

2.5 is rather high. I think he got a raw deal in Ny, believe Jagr had something to do with it.

I would not have given him a 2 yr deal

Jagr had something to do with the Bruins giving Ward a 2,5 million deal? Is Jagr working for the Bruins management?

[Clutchngrab]

Sorry guy I meant Jagr had something to do with him getting run out of NY, the Bruins were looking to unload Paul Maras contract anyhow.