Rangers Acquire Paul Mara From Boston In Exchange for Aaron Ward

[Canes13]

Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has acquired defenseman Paul Mara from the Boston Bruins in exchange for defenseman Aaron Ward.

Mara, 27, has appeared in 59 games with the Boston Bruins this season, registering three goals and 15 assists for 18 points, along with 95 penalty minutes. His 95 penalty minutes currently rank second on the Bruins, while his 18 points rank second among team defensemen. In addition, Mara has recorded four multi-point games and posted a season-high four-game assist streak from November 4 to November 11, tallying six assists over the span.

In 2005-06, he collected 15 goals and 32 assists for 47 points, along with 70 penalty minutes in 78 games with the Phoenix Coyotes. While establishing career-highs in goals (15), power play goals (eight) and points (47), Mara led the Phoenix Coyotes’ defensive corps in goals, power play goals, assists, points, and shots on goal (157). His 15 goals were the most by a Phoenix defenseman since 1992-93 (Fredrik Olausson, 16).

The 6-4, 219-pound defenseman has skated in 483 career NHL contests with the Boston Bruins, Phoenix Coyotes and Tampa Bay Lightning, recording 55 goals and 141 assists for 196 points, along with 476 penalty minutes. Mara has also appeared in five career postseason contests, all with Phoenix in 2001-02.

In 2003-04, he established career-highs in games played (81) and assists (36), ranking sixth among all NHL defensemen in the category. He also participated in the NHL’s inaugural Young Stars Game, as part of the 2002 All-Star weekend in Los Angeles, recording three assists.

A native of Ridgewood, New Jersey, Mara was originally Tampa Bay’s first pick, seventh overall, in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.

Ward, 34, appeared in 60 games with the Rangers this season, tallying three goals and 10 assists, along with 57 penalty minutes.

[The Fridge]

it was Aaron Ward for Paul Mara

[Smerri1029]

Aaron Ward confirms it was Paul Mara

[ovydell]

is Paul Mara.

[noallegiance]

Thank god... cant stand mara.

[Isles4life]

Interesting trade by two teams that will miss the playoffs.

[noallegiance]

Originally Posted by Isles4life

Interesting trade by two teams that will miss the playoffs.

not as interesting as the 15 yr DiPietro signing

[Adambruinsfan]

I think this is a bad trade for the Bruins, Ward is older and apparently a disturbance in the Rangers dressing room. Maybe a money deal? As Ward is slightly cheaper than Mara. I know Mara isn't having the best season but he's younger and I think brings more offense than Ward will.

[Fisticuffs]

I don't quite understand this deal for the B's. Mara is the same player as Ward, just younger and cheaper (I believe). He may not be as intense, but Mara hasn't been afraid to mix it up this season.

Baffling.

[KiddYidd]

Originally Posted by Adambruinsfan

I think this is a bad trade for the Bruins, Ward is older and apparently a disturbance in the Rangers dressing room. Maybe a money deal? As Ward is slightly cheaper than Mara. I know Mara isn't having the best season but he's younger and I think brings more offense than Ward will.

I wouldn't look to much into Ward being a detriment to the team. Supposedly, Ward and Jagr had a argument that ended up being leaked to the press. Not entirely sure what it was about but the rumor is Ward accidentally knocked over Jagr's gucci purse and Jagr's anal cream fell out. Caused quite an embarrasment to the other Czechs who like to keep there personal life with Jagr quiet.

[Smerri1029]

Per TSN:

Jim Kelley: Looks like a straight up swap of defencemen, but what really happen is New York sided with Jaromir Jagr in a locker room snit between Jagr and Ward. Mara is good, but it is Boston's gain by far.

See how is plays out.

[ScottRasner]

Didn't these to fight just a couple weeks or so ago?

[noallegiance]

no. they didnt fight.

[Adambruinsfan]

Originally Posted by KiddYidd

I wouldn't look to much into Ward being a detriment to the team. Supposedly, Ward and Jagr had a argument that ended up being leaked to the press. Not entirely sure what it was about but the rumor is Ward accidentally knocked over Jagr's gucci purse and Jagr's anal cream fell out. Caused quite an embarrasment to the other Czechs who like to keep there personal life with Jagr quiet.

oh ok thanks for letting us know of this KiddYidd

[MattBurger]

I don't get this trade at all for the Bruins. Aaron Ward is signed longer than Mara, he's older than Mara, he's not as good, and he makes close to $3 million a year. This makes no sense.