Finally, we have arrived, the end of the off-season targets series. Tonight, we look at one of the clutch playoff performers of the last few seasons, F Joel Ward of the Washington Capitals. The 34 year-old Ward has always been a good role player, but emerged in a big way during the 2011 playoffs with Nashville.
Since then, Ward has had become one of the NHL’s best role players. This July, he’ll once again get to test the open market, something he benefited from in a great way back in 2011.
Why Is He Out There:
The Capitals have a number of players to re-sign, namely Mike Green and Braden Holtby. Re-signing those two, or at least acquiring replacements, likely takers up a chunk on Washington’s cap space. On top of that, the Caps will look to upgrade their top-six this summer, which of course will cost money.
The Caps, who have a number of decent offensive prospects, might be willing to let Ward walk to save some money on the cap. To this point, there hasn’t been any real substantial contract talks between the sides.
What Does He Do Well:
Joel Ward is arguably the poster child for great secondary scorer in today’s game. He’s got good size, clocking in at 6’1” and 226 pounds, while he also plays a physical style. Ward is willing to grind you down and throw the body around, and can stand up for himself and teammates when the situation calls for it.
Ward is the kind of player who can make room for himself and for others too. His big frame and gritty style allow for that. They also allow for him to be an effective player when it comes to battles. Along the walls, Ward is one of the most underrated players in the game today.
On the forecheck, Ward is like a bat out of hell, providing energy and a physical presence. Just like he is along the walls, Ward is highly effective in this area of the game.
Offensively, Ward is a good goal scorer. He scored 19 goals this season, in large part thanks to his solid shot and his ability to crash the net and create traffic.
Ward is also called a strong leader as well, and a good guy to have in the locker room. He’s got a big personality, and I mean that in a really good way.
Where Will He Play / Where Should He Play:
Joel Ward is a top-nine winger in the NHL, likely a third-line right winger on a competing hockey team. In Edmonton, Ward would be exactly that, slotting in behind both Jordan Eberle and Nail Yakupov. He’d easily replace Teddy Purcell, whom he provides more offense than and is more of a physical presence than.
What Will He Cost:
At 34, the odds say this will be Ward’s last real chance at a multi-year deal with good money. I’ll say Ward asks for two or three years at somewhere inbetween $3 and $3.5 million per season. It’s a lot of cash, but it’s worth it for a guy that does what Ward does.
That said, a contract like that might simply be too rich for Edmonton.
Closing Arguments:
Joel Ward is the perfect winger to change the mix in Edmonton’s forward corps. He’s a veteran who provides a real grinding ability. He’s big, he’s physical, and he can play the game in an effective manner. As a role player, Ward would be a sensational add.
He’d be a perfect replacement for an expensive Teddy Purcell, who was both soft and ineffective in Edmonton last season. Only thing is, Ward is likely looking for a chance to win a Cup, which Edmonton doesn’t immediately give him.
All things considered, if Ward is willing to come, he’d be a great fit in Edmonton’s top-nine moving forward.
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