Jason Ward has become the latest victim of the National Hockey League salary cap.
The Canadiens had to offer him a $669,000 (U.S.) contract. Ward therefore becomes an unrestricted free agent. Technically, the Canadiens could sign him for less money, but it appears unlikely.
Gainey obviously feels he can fill Ward's spot on the third or fourth line with a player earning closer to $450,000.
Ward was 11th overall 97, but his progress was slowed by a knee injury that sidelined him for most of the 2000-01 season.
It looked as though Ward had found a home in the NHL in 2003-04 when he appeared in a career-high 53 games. He averaged more than 12 minutes a game, scored five goals and seven assists and was a solid plus-3.
During the lockout last season, he lent his experience to the Bulldogs. He had 20 goals and 34 assists in 77 games.
[Edited on 8/1/2005 by les_glorieux]