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NHL Free Agency: Grading Blackhawks’ Cam Ward signing

By Dave Stevenson

RALEIGH, NC - APRIL 7: Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes slates out of the crease during a timeout of a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 7, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - APRIL 7: Cam Ward #30 of the Carolina Hurricanes slates out of the crease during a timeout of a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 7, 2018 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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How did the Chicago Blackhawks do when they signed Cam Ward to a one-year deal? 

The Chicago Blackhawks were busy in their first day of free agency. They made several signings to add to their roster as they look to return to the postseason. Their most notable signing was goaltender Cam Ward, formerly of the Carolina Hurricanes.

He got a one-year deal from the Hawks and will be paid $3 million. Ward also has a full no-trade clause, but that’s likely just so he’ll get to choose where he gets traded to if it comes to that. In a weak goalie market, Chicago targeted him from the very beginning and the team got its guy.

The Hawks needed an experienced backup goalie thanks to the uncertain health of goalie Corey Crawford. At the very least, Chicago would love to be more careful and cautious with him next season. Ward is definitely experienced, playing in 668 regular season games.

He also has playoff experience, though it’s limited (41 games over two playoffs) and his last postseason appearance was back in 2009. Ward did, however, help the Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup in 2006, winning the Conn Smythe in the process.

That said, he hasn’t been good in a while. Ward’s last season with a save percentage of over .910 was in 2011-12. His GSAA (goals saved above average) has been negative in each of his last six seasons.

Even if the Blackhawks were looking for a backup capable of being a starter, why not go after Petr Mrazek? He signed for half of Ward’s $3 million and has a more recent track record of success. Chad Johnson, though he had a terrible 2017-18 season, has been at worst solid as a backup throughout his career.

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Chicago wanted a backup goalie who could start. This admittedly limited their options a bit, especially if Robin Lehner is interested in being a starter. But the Hawks bet on someone who hasn’t been good in a while instead of betting on several cheaper, and likely better, options.

Grade: D+

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