Defenseman Aaron Ward left the ice this morning during an optional practice after he was told he would be scratched for tonight's game against Columbus, raising the possibility that he could be traded before Tuesday's deadline.
Rumors surfaced a few weeks ago that Nashville had inquired about Ward, and more recently, San Jose has apparently discussed a potential three-way deal with the Rangers and Kings in which Ward would go to San Jose and the Rangers would receive either D Brent Sopel or Mattias Norstrom from LA.
The normally chatty Ward, who signed a two-year free-agent deal last summer after winning the Stanley Cup with Carolina, strode briskly past reporters who were unaware of the circumstances of his departure from the ice after the skate.
Coach Tom Renney would only say that he had not settled on his blue-line combinations yet, because at least one player had flu symptoms.
Ward, 34, has played in all 60 games, scored three goals and registered 10 assists, and is a minus 3. He has been playing with a broken toe and been part of several defensive breakdowns in recent weeks.
Several sources said that Ward engaged in a loud dispute with Jaromir Jagr on the Rangers bench during a Tampa game earlier this month, although the fallout from that was unclear.
Renney also indicated that Brendan Shanahan, who suffered a concussion in the collision with the Flyers' Mike Knuble a week ago and is on IR, met with his neurologist yesterday and is doing well, but that he was progressing a little slower than expected. He is only permitted to do light stretching, no stationary biking or skating, and Renney said he couldn't put a timetable on his return.
“They’re being very cautious,” Renney said. “It’s moving forward, maybe a little slower than they would’ve hoped, but they’re not surprised by where he is right now. I don’t know what that means as a time frame, to be honest with you; I’m paraphrasing and guessing at the length of time. He’s progressing but I don’t think it’s as quickly as they hoped. That doesn’t mean it’s inaccurate either. It’s a bit of a moving target.”
Comments (6)
very interesting re Ward. If traded I would rather it be for a good young player or solid draft pick - after all he does have 3 cups on his resume.
Trading ward for either of those D men would be a great move and another admission of a poor off season signing. I think Ward has been awful this year and next to rachunek the worst D man on the team...
Makes sense. Ward plays in the corners, but once he gets to the middle of the ice he forgets how to play. I like Norstrom it would be great if we got him.
Ward has overstayed his welcome. Between Rachunek and Ward they have put more goals in their own net then they have the opposing teams. A trade would be nice.
P.S. Does Avery remind anyone but me of Theo Fleury?
John: Good point, He does remind me of Fleury a little, but, when I see him I see Tikkanen and that's one of the reasons he should be given an extension. Plays with passion and he should be a building block.
The irony of the trade will be if it turns out to be Matty Norstrom since he should have been a Ranger all along, but that "mental genius" Colin Campbell had Neil Smith trade him away.
Frankly if the rumor is true I'd rather the Rangers get Sopel since he is 5 years younger.