Canes re-acquire Aaron Ward

[ChuckW]

Originally Posted by Guerzy

Word to the wise, be careful.

[StormCast]

Originally Posted by ChucktheCaniac

I hope so...but I called this first in one of my first posts here a few months ago.

Sorry that's prohibited here according to the bylaws of the VagueRant. Section 4.7.1: Any mortal poster shall meet with furious retribution if they dare step into the self-anointed's spotlight in the realm of verified predicitions for it is his domain. So it is written.

On a more important note, it's tough to find any real major faults with the move to bring Ward back on board. Since Wesley's and Hedican's departure, I think there has been a veteran leadership void on the blueline and Ward brings that element in a major way. Gleason has tried to take on more of that kind of role but it's still a work in process for him.

There is definitely more balance in this D corps than in recent years but the gains on the PK may be offset by the challenges on the PP points. The forward-on-the-point formation isn't Maurice's favorite but he will have few options unless he wants to dress 7 D on a regular basis. In transition, I always thought Ward was underrated with his outlet passing but some of the cracks in his game positional were somewhat muted by being paired with Chara.

He would seem to be a really good fit with Pitkanen though even if it means more Gleason-Corvo which is not the best pairing in my opinion. That's especially true once the other teams gets possession and cycles the puck. They are pretty effective in transition but seem like mismatched dance partners at times when the puck swings down low. All in all though, it's solid move to add Ward.

[canesnecu]

Originally Posted by StormCast

Sorry that's prohibited here according to the bylaws of the VagueRant. Section 4.7.1: Any mortal poster shall meet with furious retribution if they dare step into the self-anointed's spotlight in the realm of verified predicitions for it is his domain. So it is written.

On a more important note, it's tough to find any real major faults with the move to bring Ward back on board. Since Wesley's and Hedican's departure, I think there has been a veteran leadership void on the blueline and Ward brings that element in a major way. Gleason has tried to take on more of that kind of role but it's still a work in process for him.

There is definitely more balance in this D corps than in recent years but the gains on the PK may be offset by the challenges on the PP points. The forward-on-the-point formation isn't Maurice's favorite but he will have few options unless he wants to dress 7 D on a regular basis. In transition, I always thought Ward was underrated with his outlet passing but some of the cracks in his game positional were somewhat muted by being paired with Chara.

He would seem to be a really good fit with Pitkanen though even if it means more Gleason-Corvo which is not the best pairing in my opinion. That's especially true once the other teams gets possession and cycles the puck. They are pretty effective in transition but seem like mismatched dance partners at times when the puck swings down low. All in all though, it's solid move to add Ward.

On ALL points.

[caniac247]

Originally Posted by StormCast

On a more important note, it's tough to find any real major faults with the move to bring Ward back on board. Since Wesley's and Hedican's departure, I think there has been a veteran leadership void on the blueline and Ward brings that element in a major way. Gleason has tried to take on more of that kind of role but it's still a work in process for him.

This is going to be huge, IMHO.

When Hedican was contemplating retiring or moving out West, I remember Gleason saying something about how he hopes Hedican stays here b/c he's been a great mentor to him. At times I think Gleason missed that mentorship. Bringing in Ward will get that mentor back for Gleason and who better to learn from than Ward.

I don't think having Ward here in the ECF would have won us the series, but I sure think he would have helped calm the defense down a bit. Too many times they looked like deer caught in the headlights and I think his leadership and experience could have helped there.

I'm actually excited about this years defensive corps now.