steelcity Posted August 1, 2005 Share Posted August 1, 2005 A headline in the Montreal Gazette sports section today suggests that Jason Ward's days with Canadiens are done. Although I am not a subscriber and therefore don't have access to the full article I would guess that he has not been given a qualifying offer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
les_glorieux Posted August 1, 2005 Share Posted August 1, 2005 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] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HaliHab Posted August 1, 2005 Share Posted August 1, 2005 A sad day but a logical move, especially after he disappointed in his return to Hamilton! I loved Jason Ward, alot of potential and a likable character, but just never really put it together. I think he'll really help out his next team BUT if the Habs are indeed moving in a positive direction his 4th line roster spot is much more useful to a guy like Higgins! Go Habs Go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortcat1 Posted August 1, 2005 Share Posted August 1, 2005 I agree that moves like that are necessary, especially considering the number of young guys who are pretty well ready to make the jump. In so far as I understand, there comes a time when a team has to move their players up or thy lose them (a waiver thing? - or is that baseball?) That aside, I wonder if he'll go the route of Chad Kilger? To another team who will end up liking him and signing him to a multi-year situation? (Kilger got a qualifying contract - good for him.) If nothing else, he's a kid who plays with heart and gives of himself regularly. I'm sure that his skills will be useful with some other team. [Edited on 2005/8/1 by shortcat1] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jl.roberts Posted August 1, 2005 Share Posted August 1, 2005 Sad to see him go.. would've thought we could use a few MORE Jason Ward's. Oh well, he's replaceable. Best of luck to him though.. It will absolutely kill me though if Sundstrom or Dagenais play after cutting Ward... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortcat1 Posted August 1, 2005 Share Posted August 1, 2005 Well, order your coffin. It's likely going to happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puck7x Posted August 1, 2005 Share Posted August 1, 2005 Originally posted by jl.robertsSad to see him go.. would've thought we could use a few MORE Jason Ward's. Oh well, he's replaceable. Best of luck to him though.. It will absolutely kill me though if Sundstrom or Dagenais play after cutting Ward... Both Sundstrom and Dagenais scored more goals in one seasons as habs then Ward did in his 8 years. For what we pay Dags he is one hell of a bargain, sure you may not like his style... but he's productive. We could find dozens of Ward's on the open market, and most of them can stay healthy for a full season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psycing Posted August 1, 2005 Share Posted August 1, 2005 I really think that this opens a spot for Higgins. It's time he gets a chance with the Habs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habscout Posted August 1, 2005 Share Posted August 1, 2005 I have a theory about the Habs not qualifying Ward. I believe that they didn't qualify him because doing so would force them them to continue his 1-way contract. I'm speculating that the Habs may eventually resign him to a 2-way contract one that has a pro structure at the league minimum, because the Habs braintrust are not sure about Ward as an NHL pro player yet. My other theory is that the Habs have evaluated Ward, and they feel his role appears to be a 4th line player at best. Gainey may feel that he'd rather have a younger player, one that may stand a better chance at a top 2 line position [eg. Higgins, Perezhogin] at the 4th line position to start the season, since the CBA affords them less time to evaluate their players before potentially losing them to unrestricted free agency. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trizzak Posted August 1, 2005 Share Posted August 1, 2005 In the end, Ward was expendable. Moreso than anyone else on the team. I'm sorry he's gone, but he's gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexstream Posted August 1, 2005 Share Posted August 1, 2005 Don't say bye too soon, BG don't wanna see him go, he made him an offer, but the offer was under the qualif amount so ward becomes a UFA... doesn't mean that we won't sign him at 450k when he'll see that there are no takers at 700k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
classical Posted August 1, 2005 Share Posted August 1, 2005 Here is the article: Removed [Edited on 2005/8/5 by classical] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spider-Man NL Posted August 2, 2005 Share Posted August 2, 2005 I liked him but things just never worked out for him in Montreal. I wish him all the best and I hope he finds another NHL club willing to take a chance on him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prime Minister Koivu Posted August 5, 2005 Share Posted August 5, 2005 He just signed with the Rangers. I'm sad to see him go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habscout Posted August 5, 2005 Share Posted August 5, 2005 I'm happy for Ward, that he got another job in the NHL. The fact it didn't take too long is a good sign. I feel that Gainey indirectly indicated that his lack of speed is something that would work against Ward. He made mention of this in reference to the new rules, and how defensive players would have to be able to react quicker for dump ins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jl.roberts Posted August 5, 2005 Share Posted August 5, 2005 Originally posted by habscoutI'm happy for Ward, that he got another job in the NHL. The fact it didn't take too long is a good sign. I feel that Gainey indirectly indicated that his lack of speed is something that would work against Ward. He made mention of this in reference to the new rules, and how defensive players would have to be able to react quicker for dump ins. Good point. Gainey said he wants an exciting team and he needed to implement the type of players who can play that type of game. So, Ward is gone.. makes sense. Looking back a couple of days later this move doesn't bother me one bit. Best of luck to Wardo, but a quicker, smoother player can fill his spot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLP Posted August 5, 2005 Share Posted August 5, 2005 Originally posted by habscoutI'm happy for Ward, that he got another job in the NHL. The fact it didn't take too long is a good sign. Yes good point, when the players we let go are snatched up quickly, that indicates we have a pretty good stable right now. (Not missing Dackell Juneau Dykhuis et al) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidRock Posted August 5, 2005 Share Posted August 5, 2005 what about Traverse? lol!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLP Posted August 5, 2005 Share Posted August 5, 2005 Originally posted by KidRockwhat about Traverse? lol!! HIM I sorely miss. The stalwart presence of Traverse struck fear into the opposition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidRock Posted August 5, 2005 Share Posted August 5, 2005 Indeed....well said Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortcat1 Posted August 5, 2005 Share Posted August 5, 2005 Traverse signed with Dallas. As always, I hope the best for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Posted August 5, 2005 Share Posted August 5, 2005 I'll never understand the love-in for Ward. I mean seriously, the guy couldn't skate. Yes, he was grit, lovely. But grit is only good if you can keep up with the play and use it. With the crackdown on obstruction his entire game is seriously compromised. Sure, he can hit - if he can catch his man - but he is never going to be a good defensive player if opponents are skating around him like he's not there. Don't get me wrong, he has his uses and served his purposes well in his limited time in Montreal, but he was never anything more than filler for the bottom two lines when we didn't have the depth to put in more talent. Now that there are players ready to graduate to the NHL, he has no place in Montreal. And to hear he went to the Rag$? Sweet. Only thing better would have been Toronto. I'm pleased that he stayed in the east so we can play him. Nothing like playing against a line with four and a half players and not five. I look forward to the semi advantage. Harsh? Perhaps, but he was a seriously overrated talent here, in my opinion. Colin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trizzak Posted August 5, 2005 Share Posted August 5, 2005 What is it with the Rangers hard on for Habs talent lately? We trade them Balej (and a 2nd round pick?), we trade them a 2nd and 3rd round pick to move up in the 2nd round, and now they sign Jason Ward days after being released. Maybe Hainsey/Hossa is next? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonus Posted August 5, 2005 Share Posted August 5, 2005 judging from last season's moves, the rangers have a hard on for just about all canadian teams. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habscout Posted August 5, 2005 Share Posted August 5, 2005 Hmm, I guessing that Gainey and Sather like to work together. Originally posted by TrizzakWhat is it with the Rangers hard on for Habs talent lately? We trade them Balej (and a 2nd round pick?), we trade them a 2nd and 3rd round pick to move up in the 2nd round, and now they sign Jason Ward days after being released. Maybe Hainsey/Hossa is next? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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