Carolina Hurricanes: Cam Ward Looks to Return to Stardom
By Zeke Lukow
Between now and the start of the preseason, Cardiac Cane will preview every Carolina Hurricanes player as they enter the 2015-2016 season and what we expect from them in the coming year.
Player: Cam Ward
Position: Goalie
Date of Birth: February 29, 1984
Birthplace: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (CAN)
Height/Weight: 6’1″/185lbs
Cam Ward was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes with the 22nd pick in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Ward is now entering the last year of a 6 year deal worth $6.3mil per year against the cap, his 10th year with the Hurricanes.
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Ward had an up and down 2014-2015 season, but he did show improvement over his 2013-2014 performance. His GAA decreased from 3.06 to 2.40, and his SV% increased from .898 to .910. This was the first year there was an increase in his stats for the first time since the 2010-2011 season.
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This increase was can be attributed to Bill Peters’s new system which emphasis defense more than Kirk Muller’s. It also helped that Khudobin was able to take a significant amount of workload off of him. Ward only played 51 games which was his lowest non injury shortened season.
This season brings on a new situation for the goaltender. For the first time since he won the starting position there is a legitimate competition for the starting role. Competition often produces higher performance and Ward has said that he is motivated by the addition of Lack. It will be interesting to see if his play will elevate to keep his starting job.
Jan 31, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward (30) makes a save against the New York Rangers during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
With an improved defense and Eddie Lack able to take some of the workload, Ward should be able to continue the upward trend. With a lack of forward depth the Canes are going to have to rely on the defense and goaltending to keep them in games. If the Hurricanes have any chance to make the playoffs this year, Cam is going to have to continue to improve his performance.
There has been a lot of talk about resigning Ward this offseason and he has noted that he wants to stay with Carolina. The important thing has to be to get him at the right price. Ward can be a solid goalie but he has to perform better this year, his current cap hit is only $200k less than 2015 Vezina winner Carey Price.
Carolina Hurricanes
Another likely scenario for the former Conn Smythe winner could be dealt at the deadline. Even if he shows an improvement this year, it could only serve to increase his trade value. For the past couple of seasons, the trade rumors have been swirling every deadline and draft.
This may be the best scenario for the Carolina Hurricanes, it is unlikely that Francis will want to spend on an aging asset. If he is able to send Ward out for picks/prospects, there can at least be a return for losing him. This scenario would beat a scenario where Ward doesn’t re sign and Francis gets nothing in return.
Which ever scenario plays out this year, it is a win-win for Ron Francis and the Hurricanes. Either they get Ward for a full season and at a reasonable price, or they get return prospects and/or picks for a team on the rebuild. The only way the Hurricanes lose in this scenario is letting Ward walk at the end of the season.