Cam Ward gets six-year extension
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward has signed a six-year contract extension that will pay him a total of $37.8 million, general manager Jim Rutherford said today.
"It comes at a good time," Rutherford said. "We were hoping we could get Cam a long-term contract that would keep him with the team, and it's great to get it done before the season begins."
The Canes open the regular season Friday against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Ward, 25, was due to become a restricted free agent after this season. He's making $3.5 million this season.
"We did not want to get into all those things -- offer sheets, free agency," Rutherford said. "For what Cam has done for the franchise, like Eric (Staal), he deserves a long-term contract."
Staal was signed a seven-year, $57.75 million extension before last season began.
Ward was third in the NHL in wins (39) and tied for sixth in shutouts (6) last season. He etablished a new franchise record for goaltender victories in a season (39) and matched the franchise record for shutouts in a season.
About the blogger
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is in his second season as the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at chip.alexander@newsobserver.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @ice_chip.
Comments
I agree with previous posts.
Wed, 09/30/2009 - 14:13 — ctillI agree with previous posts. Eleven Canes become UFAs after this season, and not all of them will be back. Slots will be open for Albany players. The trick for JR now is to manage the churn of older players being replaced by younger players who are paid less, at least for a while.
i am Glad
Wed, 09/30/2009 - 13:52 — esteban1949That Cam got the contract done, and as he said, it's good to get this done now and not have it to be a distraction at anytime. Now to those fans who are out of work and can't come to home games...some will or could look at his new contract and wonder. But seeing and know what players like him as well as many others in the NHL...trust me he'll earn every penny of it, as the man is NOT lazy...and in just over 52 hours...it's face off time !!! It was good to see the movie...Slap Shot on last night, had a good laugh...as i remember some of the outfits worn in that movie...funny thing is...i used to dress like that !!!
Go Canes !!
Cam Ward had a good cup run
Wed, 09/30/2009 - 12:43 — PowderedToastManCam Ward had a good cup run in 06 but doesn't warrant this kind of deal these days. The Canes will be regretting this deal. Ward is not the answer!
Yes he is!
Wed, 09/30/2009 - 15:56 — hockeyhickI have to disagree. Yes, he did have a great run to the Cup, but it was no fluke. Each season his games played and wins have increased and his stats have steadily improved. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but I'm pretty sure Cam ranked in at least the top 10 of all the major goaltending stats. He was the biggest reason for our playoff run last year, a feat made more impressive by the fact that our defense was suspect and gave him little support. He has accomplished all of these thing without the firepower afforded a Mark-Andre Fleury, without the shut-down defense afforded a Martin Brodeur (just to name a couple of other Cup winners.) Oh yeah, and he's young, durable, has the right attitude. I'll second the sentiment of Jim Rutherford: there is no other goalie i would rather have for this team. He has the unique combination of upside AND experience. You can be sure that at least 10 -15 other teams would pay him this money, and I'd venture to say he could land 8 mil on the open market. All that being said it was a GREAT signing for the Canes.
MAF
Wed, 09/30/2009 - 09:03 — Biff_BeersMarc-Andre Fleury is entering the second year of a 6-year contract that pays $29.75M. I'd guess that Cam's new contract will be similar. Cam's might actually be a little higher just because he's getting his contract one year later than MAF. So my guess is a cap hit of $5.25M - $5.5M. Nice work if you can get it. Kudos to all involved for getting this done before the season starts. Looks like my son's Ward #30 jersey will get a lot more wear over the years. Go Canes!
scrooge
Wed, 09/30/2009 - 10:26 — Biff_BeersSo my guess was a little low. www.nhlnumbers.com has already posted the contract extension. The 10/11 cap hit is currently at $40.233M with 12 players under contract (not including Sutter, who will get $875K).
Main Men
Wed, 09/30/2009 - 09:02 — lewpulsThe team goes as Staal and Ward go. Great to re-sign him, even at a very high level if that proves to be the case.
We still need a #3 "main man", and I don't see who that could be, unless PItkanen.
Good move by JR
Wed, 09/30/2009 - 08:57 — Hockeydad92Good move by JR (who does not like to do these deals during the season)! Now the next big step will be this summer with Corvo, Whitney, Walker and Cullen. Cullen and Corvo need long term deals and Whit and Walks need 1 or 2 year veteran resigns and all of this depends on the season they have this year..... Then in 10/11 we will see mature NHL ready guys from Albany flood the ranks!
Re-signing vets
Wed, 09/30/2009 - 09:04 — lewpulsI've assumed Walker won't be re-signed (as Wallin, who nearly went back to Sweden years ago, isn't that why he had the no-trade clause, he only wanted to play here). Assume Yelle won't be re-signed, either. I suppose it depends on the readiness of young forwards other than Sutter.
They needed to get Cam
Wed, 09/30/2009 - 08:46 — mokimanoThey needed to get Cam signed long term...I just hope it's an elevated scale of pay and not $6 or $7 million contract every year for the next 6 years...
Cap hit is average salary not actual
Wed, 09/30/2009 - 09:39 — amccarthUnder the CBA the cap hit for a salary is the average yearly salary so in this case $37.8M/6 or $6.3M/ yr regardless of his actual salary that year.
Cam Ward Extension
Wed, 09/30/2009 - 08:38 — abramsdougThe six year extension is an important step for the Hurricanes because his contract will have a significant impact on the funds available to re-sign the UFAs whose contracts are coming due at the end of this season. The Hurricanes have some outstanding prospects; but they also have some key key veterans who form the core of the team. I am cautiously optimistic that the veterans will see the wisdom of ending their careers with the Hurricanes and that the funding will be there to keep them.