AWard on Waivers?

[livinthedream]

Per the tweet I just got from the LGC.

Coming from TSN/Bob McKenzie.

[superdave]

I'm going to the mall to sit in Santa's lap, right now.

[cmw00]

PLEASE BE TRUE!!!!!!

[c-girl]

Interesante.

[livinthedream]

Guess the mods can remove the question mark from the thread title.

Canes place Aaron Ward on Waivers (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=509818)

[ButtersSaysNo]

Love A. Ward, but something just hasn't been right this time around with the Canes.

[KaniacFever]

I'm actually surprised JR did this, don't know why. I was so excited to get him back, but something just ain't right with him this year. I know the whole team is struggling, but damn, he just looks so out of place.

[Captain Slack]

Figured he would get moved at some point, but not through wai
vers!!

Wonder if this will be a repeat of the Kaberle situation?

[caneshockeychick]

Wow...just wow!!!

Well, it appears the team is trying.

Loved the previous version of A Ward in Canes uni but this one...not so much.

Hope someone picks him up. Pretty please?????

[cmw00]

Love A. Ward, but something just hasn't been right this time around with the Canes.

I'm actually surprised JR did this, don't know why. I was so excited to get him back, but something just ain't right with him this year. I know the whole team is struggling, but damn, he just looks so out of place.

You mean we don't have a player like Chara to help carry him? I've seen plenty of Bruins fans say they were glad he was gone from their team also.

These older guys can't keep playing well forever. I think a few of them are running out all at the same time.

[superdave]

It's a Festivus miracle!

There's been rumors of interest in Ward. Somebody must be willing to pick up his salary.

[SC06]

If someone does pick him up what will we do for D? Keep the Albany kids around? Don't get me wrong, I love to look at AWard, just not on the ice this year. Just curious as to what you all predict would happen if he were gone.

[Jay]

If someone does pick him up what will we do for D? Keep the Albany kids around? Don't get me wrong, I love to look at AWard, just not on the ice this year. Just curious as to what you all predict would happen if he were gone.

Carson and Harrison have played themselves permanently into our lineup. Rodney is a good guy too. McBain next year.

We have plenty of young D to fill in.

[Darkwing]

one down, three to go!

[Jay]

Wow, per @ice_chip, Ward left practice early. I wonder if he's done?

[superdave]

Wow, per @ice_chip, Ward left practice early. I wonder if he's done?

If a GM has told JR he would claim him, I'm sure Ward would have known as soon as possible. It looks like the cards are falling into place.

[ButtersSaysNo]

If someone does pick him up what will we do for D? Keep the Albany kids around? Don't get me wrong, I love to look at AWard, just not on the ice this year. Just curious as to what you all predict would happen if he were gone.

PERV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[nccanes]

If a GM has told JR he would claim him, I'm sure Ward would have known as soon as possible. It looks like the cards are falling into place.

I don't think things happen that fast. Don't the teams have 24 hours to make their claim and then the lowest in the standings (well, in this case the 2nd to lowest, lol) gets first dibs?

Guess its possible there a chance JR heard from someone.

Edit: just read chip's note about AWard leaving. Did he leave the ice early or just leave the RZ a bit early? Wouldn't be surprised if he left to avoid the media.

[NCCaniac42]

I left the RZ before practice was over.. about 11:50 and AWard was still on the ice.

[shill22]

please let AWard be gone! he's been useless

[Alicia]

Hope it doesn't wind up like when Yelle got waived...

[KaniacFever]

It's a Festivus miracle!

There's been rumors of interest in Ward. Somebody must be willing to pick up his salary.

I hear Islanders and Sens are interested. Sens more interested on re-entry. Wonder if Snow would grab him now or wait till re-entry?

[cmw00]

I hear Islanders and Sens are interested. Sens more interested on re-entry. Wonder if Snow would grab him now or wait till re-entry?

JR should come out and say that several teams are interested, and that he doesn't expect Ward to clear. :lol:

[wheels76]

Somewhere Seidenberg and his agent are laughing at JR. He went out of his way to needle them in the media over the summer about the contract DS was looking for. Not saying he was worth the asking price, but hindsight being 20/20 I wish he was still a Cane.
No Norris Trophy winner to carry AWard this year. Hell, Kaberle is probably getting a good chuckle as well.

[SoCalcaniac]

It's interesting that Chip blogged that he "left practice early". Like NC42 said, he was there when she had to leave at 11:50ish, and he was still with the team til a good bulk of the guys started clearing the ice to get going on the hospital tours around the area and was chatting with Tom Barrasso when I started to grab my stuff to leave. Maybe he didn't want to stay and yak with Chip, but it's a little bit stretchy to say that he "left early".

Plus, E's right, there's still an order in which a player can be snagged off waivers, based on the order teams currently stand.

There has been chatter that CLB has also had an interest in AWard. Maybe there are takers and they'll bite on the re-entry side of things; especially now that we're near the end of Dec, and the $$ amount isn't as big a hit.

[superdave]

I don't think things happen that fast. Don't the teams have 24 hours to make their claim and then the lowest in the standings (well, in this case the 2nd to lowest, lol) gets first dibs?

Guess its possible there a chance JR heard from someone.

What I know about the business of hockey wouldn't fill a thimble, but I was thinking that with the rumors of interest in Ward that a GM might would contact JR and say that he'd be willing to pick him up off waivers. It doesn't cost JR anything to do that. If that were the case, I can see Ward being pulled to the side and told "Hey Aaron, you are being placed on waivers so "team x" can pick you up. Keep it real".

[toastmasterbone]

Yeah, I can't imagine that JR would just put AWard out there thinking that he'd get claimed on the first pass -- AWard has flat-out sucked that badly, and I doubt anyone who's watched even a 3-minute random clip of his defensive prowess would be stupid enough to bite for the full price. There's got to be an indication that someone would grab him up in re-entry at a discount, or JR is simply keeping his fingers crossed.

Boy, what a way to find out your market value in a real eye-popping way.

[caneshockeychick]

^Toast, you should think about claiming him on re-entry too...he could help Leights out ;)

[StormChaserBH]

I'm hoping FSCarolinas claims him... :)

[puck_it]

bye

[CajunCaniac]

He may not have left practice early, but he sure high tailed it out of the STH Party. We were at the signing table right at 7:30, and he was the last one at that table. They had cut off the line but there were still several people in line behind us. As Jussi and Joni were signing my kids jerseys, AWard popped up and just left. I don't really care that we didn't get his signature on our stuff (my son has it already anyway), but I thought it was a bit rude when there were so many others waiting. It would have only taken 10 minutes to finish, but my first thought was "maybe his agent called"...

[BrindAmourFan]

He may not have left practice early, but he sure high tailed it out of the STH Party. We were at the signing table right at 7:30, and he was the last one at that table. They had cut off the line but there were still several people in line behind us. As Jussi and Joni were signing my kids jerseys, AWard popped up and just left. I don't really care that we didn't get his signature on our stuff (my son has it already anyway), but I thought it was a bit rude when there were so many others waiting. It would have only taken 10 minutes to finish, but my first thought was "maybe his agent called"...

I was really disappointed when AWard left the team after the Cup win and really wanted JR to figure out a way for him to come back. However, I witnessed an incident between him and #17 on-ice at RZ during Brindy Camp 2008 (IIRC) that changed my opinion of him significantly. What CC witnessed at the signing table doesn't surprise me at all.

[SoCalcaniac]

He may not have left practice early, but he sure high tailed it out of the STH Party. We were at the signing table right at 7:30, and he was the last one at that table. They had cut off the line but there were still several people in line behind us. As Jussi and Joni were signing my kids jerseys, AWard popped up and just left. I don't really care that we didn't get his signature on our stuff (my son has it already anyway), but I thought it was a bit rude when there were so many others waiting. It would have only taken 10 minutes to finish, but my first thought was "maybe his agent called"...

That's too bad, CC. I hate that people saw that. I went through that table and had a really pleasant and funny experience, but I did see Ward struggling to keep it together, and when I saw his name on the list of tables, I was frankly pretty stunned. Several people were standing next to my hub (who was waiting for me to come through) and they were saying how he looked "terrible" and some didn't know he had been waived til my husband said it; a lady said her husband got "a bad vibe" from him. In all honesty, I got to him, had him sign my new house flag, but I could tell he was so not into this situation. He was trying hard, but I don't think it was a good idea. I was really hoping after we got through (around 6:40ish) that it would have gotten easier. to be honest, the folks in front and behind me, were all clamoring for #13 and it was a picture fest for like 15 minutes before I even got to 13 myself - no control by the line ushers. Several of them walked right past Jussi and Joni who were the first two, didn't even acknowledge them, so I got to chat with the two Finns. :lol: Which was first halting- then I asked what they'll do for Christmas and Joni said "eat and rest & call home". :lol:

BF, I'm curious on your experience. Yikes.

I recall Erik Cole staying and signing in overflow year before last, shooing away the ushers who were trying to cut the line off. Definitely a different situation for A Ward.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Aaron Ward, a veteran professional hockey player with several Stanley Cup rings, just got held up in front of the entire league while his boss yelled "Hey! Anyone want this one? We're done with it." and so far, everyone said "No thanks."

As much a part of the current structure of the league as waivers has become, it's still humiliating for players like Ward. Did anyone expect him to be in a great mood? I'm like SoCal....surprised he was there at all.

I sure hate that his experience of Carolina and our experience of him has been tainted by this season from hell.

[ontheboards]

I have always found Aaron Ward a delight to chat with-- witty, engaging and friendly. He's been my favorite for years-- a physical player, a good soldier, and the kind of glue guy teams have tended to rely upon. He's the kind of guy you'd expect to have three Stanley Cup rings. His Ward's Warriors is a terrific gesture by a guy who is not one of the high dollar players. He did something similar in Boston as well. The player that I've admired is not the player we're seeing this season. This isn't a guy who's pleased or indifferent about his performance-- he's got too much pride for that. I specifically made a point to get to his table to get my Ward #4 jersey signed and a game 7 puck signed by him. I suspect he's absolutely crushed to be on waivers-- he looked so uncomfortable at the table and given the harsh comments I was hearing in line while waiting, I'm not surprised. He's a good guy and the fact that he got up and left the autograph session at 7:30, I fully understand given the sh!t day he's having.

[superdave]

I would think that if there wasn't a fish on the hook, that J.R. could have waited another day to make this move and not do it the day of the STH party.

[nccanes]

I wasn't at the STH event but when SoCal texted me about AWard my response was how amazing it was that he even attended.

I've gone to PAID events where players walked off early or passed altogether and they didn't just get put on waivers. Everyone has a bad day so I always try not to judge harshly, but in Aaron's case we ALL know why he was having a bad day. I think we can cut him some slack.

When he was interviewed recently by FSN at intermission (another case when I was surprised he agreed to "face" the fans/cameras) he was honest and straightforward. He knows he's "struggling" and having a tough year and said if he knew what the root issue was he would fix it.

People don't turn lazy or dumb overnight. Maybe he was 'protected' by Chara, maybe he's 3 years older since the last time we saw him in Red/White, maybe he's hasn't found a partner that he clicked with - who the hell knows.

But I'm not afraid to say I was THRILLED to see him re-acquired. If we could all predict exactly what would happen in the future in the world of sports, well - they would be that interesting.

I wish Aaron the best, and I certainly appreciate him showing up last night, even if it was slightly abbreviated.

[ssangste]

^ what she said....

The guy is put on waivers the day of the STH event and he still shows up to sign autographs? I give the guy props. He's a better person than me. The fact that he showed up at all and wasn't completely downright surly while there speaks volumes.

No sense kicking him anymore than necessary while he's down... I wish him the best and hope the reason he was put out there was they had a taker. Otherwise, major asshat move by JR to do it without a taker on the day of a STH event.

[Jay]

Otherwise, major asshat move by JR to do it without a taker on the day of a STH event.

I don't know... I just wonder if stuff like the STH party would even be taken into consideration when making hockey-related moves.

[nccanes]

Wasn't Laviolette fired the very day AFTER the sth party last year?

[LeslieK]

No, last year's party was February 12th. Mo told the story of on the first night he followed Ruu out.

[livinthedream]

Wasn't Laviolette fired the very day AFTER the sth party last year?

No, but you're on the right track. Lavi was fired the day after Skate with the Canes.

[nccanes]

No, but you're on the right track. Lavi was fired the day after Skate with the Canes.

Thanks - I knew there was SOME event. :)

[KaniacFever]

I was surprised to see Aaron on the list. I didn't get through that table, but a part of me didn't want to. I knew he wouldn't be a happy camper and frankly I don't blame him. For whatever reason he didn't work out this time around, but I do hope he gets claimed whether today or on re-entry so he can get a fresh start somewhere else. He does deserve that at the very least.

[Darkwing]

A.Ward definitely looked uncomfortable to be there, I sorta thought maybe they'd give him a less busy table than Whitney. I almost felt bad getting autographs from the two finns for my hat and a poster for my girlfriend, then skipping Ward..but I felt even worse skipping Walker, Larose, and Harrison to get to Ruu for the 3rd on the hat. I just didn't have anything else to let them sign and I wanted my hat to have the finns only =\

[caniac97]

Thanks - I knew there was SOME event. :)

I remember saying to him that we believe in him and his system, would get past the slump. Then the double whammy, Lavi gone and Mo back.

[cmw00]

So how long will it take to get out whether anybody claimed him or not?

[Canesluver]

Nobody claimed A. Ward, but just got the team's tweet that Leighton was claimed by Philly -- so.... I haven't paid close attention, but that means Philly has Leighton and John Grahame, both, right?????!!!!

[Jay]

Nobody claimed A. Ward, but just got the team's tweet that Leighton was claimed by Philly -- so.... I haven't paid close attention, but that means Philly has Leighton and John Grahame, both, right?????!!!!

Grahame is only on a tryout contract. My guess is it'll be ex-Canes goalies fighting for the NHL backup.

[nccanes]

Grahame is only on a tryout contract. My guess is it'll be ex-Canes goalies fighting for the NHL backup.

I thought Grahame's tryout was actually for their AHL team? I wondered (with this Leighton claim) if the tryout was....over (unsuccessfully).

[superdave]

A. Ward, you now know what 30 GM's think of your game. Thanks for playing.

[cmw00]

Damn, sucks for Ward.

[caniac97]

Damn, sucks for Ward.

Maybe not, the plan may be to put him on re-entry and there may be a team that will bite at that.

[SC06]

At the bargain basement price. That's just as bad.

[ontheboards]

A. Ward, you now know what 30 GM's think of your game. Thanks for playing.
The hatred for AWard is ripe around here. The guy has three Stanley Cup rings, has been a success everywhere he's played, he's been a professional and even had the cojones to call out Jagr for his prima donna ways and he's acknowledged to struggling this year.I understand the frustration at his play this year, I just don't think he's what wholly ails this team or deserves all the ire he's getting...

[c-girl]

Hate is a strong word. I don't know that I've seen any of that. Anyway, some of us do reserve the right to be disappointed in Award and would not be sorry to see him go. But, hey, maybe he'll do a Stephane Yelle. Who knows?

[SoCalcaniac]

I'm one reserving the right to be disappointed in Aaron and I am, however, this kicking a guy while things are not great, I can't be down with.

I'm sure if there is a team that is willing to pick Aaron up, it's on the re-entry. Especially with everyone watching the $$ spend, so I expected him to be passed on. I do think he'll be claimed. Cause for all that has gone wrong with Aaron's game this season, I do think he could turn it around. Right now, here on this team, there are too many problems to count so he's not going to dig out of it here, imo.

[nccanes]

^yup!

God knows we've had our share of successful reclamation projects...no surprise that the tables get turned at some point.

[superdave]

A. Ward, you now know what 30 GM's think of your game. Thanks for playing.

The hatred for AWard is ripe around here. The guy has three Stanley Cup rings, has been a success everywhere he's played, he's been a professional and even had the cojones to call out Jagr for his prima donna ways and he's acknowledged to struggling this year.I understand the frustration at his play this year, I just don't think he's what wholly ails this team or deserves all the ire he's getting...

I'm not sure where the hatred idea came from. It's a fact that 30 GM's (JR included) passed on him at his salary. That's a wake up call. Truthfully though, he's been guilty of a ton of mental lapses this season.

[Kat]

Okay, question here. AWard was 35 when he signed his contract -- signed May 2008, he was born Jan 1973.

So, if he gets claimed off the waiver wire (either now or reentry), what effect does that have? My impression from the IRS, I mean, CBA documents I have been reading, is that 35+ clause does not affect/override the waiver rules. Is that correct?

[livinthedream]

Man, what a difference a couple of months (http://www.letsgocanes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10623) makes, huh?

[caneshockeychick]

^To be fair, he just hasn't played in a way that excites us as much as we thought that day.

I was totally in A Ward's camp. Heck, I have a signed CH wine bottle by him, (not the Duplin X) that I've had since 2002 I believe (may be '03).

Of course, there's not a lot on this team that's exciting lately, he's a casualty. Would anyone rather this be Gleason? or Pitkanen? or (name your rotating defenseman here) over Ward?

[nccanes]

I'm sure no one would disagree that his play has been disappointing. I think the feeling is just that once you actually place a veteran on waivers that it's time to stop kicking the dog? Or something like that.

Who else is left that was part of both of the SCFinals appearances? Wallin, Brind'Amour, and Cole? Anyone else?

(As an aside, it's interesting to think how much of our D was in both SCFs: Wallin, Ward, Wesley, Hedican. That's kind of amazing really. No superstars, but they got the job done for sure.)

[Jay]

(As an aside, it's interesting to think how much of our D was in both SCFs: Wallin, Ward, Wesley, Hedican. That's kind of amazing really. No superstars, but they got the job done for sure.)

As an aside to your aside, I think Glen Wesley was a much better defenseman than he appeared to be at times. He was boring and nearly mistake-free. Sorta like losing C Ward this year made me appreciate how good he really is, I think watching some of our D now helps me appreciate how good Wesley was.

[nccanes]

I agree. There were times last year that I was dying to see him un-retire because I felt his stability is what we lacked so much.

[Convert]

I was firmly in Ward's camp when we brought him back...figured he'd be a nice stable guy to pair with Joni.

There where things that bugged me about him (I still remember him punching Kevyn Adams in the face in his first game back here with the Rangers...and his play/style/attitude with the Walker fight).


What I think we missed is that Chara, while bringing offense, is really a traditional d-man...he does not pinch a lot. I think Ward was worried about carrying too much d-responsibility and combine that with whatever else is going on (age, injury, who knows) and dwindling confidence and it goes from there.

[SoCalcaniac]

So, if he gets claimed off the waiver wire (either now or reentry), what effect does that have? My impression from the IRS, I mean, CBA documents I have been reading, is that 35+ clause does not affect/override the waiver rules. Is that correct?

It'll now have to be re-entry waivers since he cleared waivers, and we'd be responsible for 1/2 the claimers the other half.

Jay, completely agree. Glen was never the glamorous defenseman, he was just "there" and I'm like E, I wished for him to just show up in his 2 Wesley jersey and block a shot, relieve the mess/pressure/nonsense in many a game after he retired and even now, I see him sometimes up in the box with Karmanos Jr and JR, and I'll say to hub, someone tell him to go downstairs. We (collective) never fully appreciated what he did for us. I'll never forget him in Game 7, June 19, 2006. That 5 on 3, and he blocked that shot with his foot of course and was literally on one leg hopping like a bunny; that grimace on his face and he was still going. We could rattle off a ton of those, but that one of course was the glaring one.

I have similar memories of Aaron. I was also one of the thrilled people when I found out he was back. I remember he was going to be at that Summer fest or whatever we called it, and Aaron was to be there, and they tweeted that picture of him being interviewed. That seems like it happened years ago, not months ago. People were so GIDDY about that, and the whole 'thing' surrounding this team. Honestly it's as if that was all some kind of dream.

[nccanes]

Well, Mr AWard is off at Target buying gifts with some of his 'mates (according to Chip's tweet) so the guy knows what counts.

Boy - it would be sweet if he could have a turnaround of some sort. Maybe he can play with a "what the hell" attitude and return to form.

[SoCalcaniac]

DUDE. That's Aaron Ward. I'm not even surprised. Thanks for that E, I don't follow chip's tweets to my phone, so I missed that.

I agree with ya E- a rise from the ashes type turnaround would be something else. I'd be thrilled for the guy, especially since I have spent the season blessing him out for the horrible play.

[Canesluver]

You know.... I'd totally forgotten that Yelle had been on waivers.

I'd LOVE to see Aaron find his "lobster" on the ice.

[c-girl]

I agree. There were times last year that I was dying to see him un-retire because I felt his stability is what we lacked so much.

Funny you say that. When we went to see the Rats play in Norfolk the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Glen was sitting in the section next to ours. I almost had to physically restrain Hubs from going over there to BEG Glen to come out of retirement. Seriously.

[cmw00]

Is there a certain amount of time that has to pass before he could be placed on re-entry waivers?

[nccanes]

I don't think so. I think there is a certain number of days before the waiver status expires (like 10 days but I'm not sure) meaning that you can still send them down w/in that period w/o putting them on waivers again. I presume if that much time went by, you'd have to place them on waivers again (I believe Jussi was on waivers more than once in tampa), but I think they can put him on re-entry whenever they'd like.

[Jay]

I don't think so. I think there is a certain number of days before the waiver status expires (like 10 days but I'm not sure)

Pretty sure it's 30.

[Kat]

It'll now have to be re-entry waivers since he cleared waivers, and we'd be responsible for 1/2 the claimers the other half.


Thanks! That is what I thought -- that the 35+ clause did not override the normal waiver rules. It does override the buyout rules, though, but that won't apply for AWard.

I echo all the Glen Wesley thoughts. A defenseman that you don't notice is generally a good defenseman. Whereas a forward you don't notice is likely a not-so-good forward. :lol:

[Shell]

Well, Mr AWard is off at Target buying gifts with some of his 'mates (according to Chip's tweet) so the guy knows what counts.

I am not surprised at all. I understand why we waived him but I have to say I am firmly in the corner saying he is a great man personally. I see him almost every weekend because his kid is in the same hockey league/rink/times as my kid. He is friendly with everyone. The little girls gravitate to him and he sits in the bleachers and colors ponies with them. I will miss him, but not his -15.

[andyt]

AWard is a stand up guy. Period.

[IceSun]

Semi-related

Nice article on the Target trip...
http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/nhl/canes/story/242825.html