Ward Signs Extension

On Wednesday morning, news leaked out that Cam Ward has signed an extension with the Carolina Hurricanes. The reported deal is for six seasons, worth a grand total of $37.8 million. That works out to be a cap hit of $6.3 million per season. At the end of the 2010 season, Ward was scheduled to become a restricted free agent.

Ward has quickly established himself as one of the NHL's premier goalies over the past number of seasons, winning a Stanley Cup and earning many-a-win for the Hurricanes in the regular season. Last year, Ward finished with 39 wins and 6 shutouts for the Hurricanes and listed third among all goalies in pool rankings. That's some very established company he was with.

Since his extension does not begin until the 2010/2011 season, there is no change to any of the Hurricanes cap figures for this coming season. The forecast for the 2011 season already lookings rosy, as the Hurricanes already have 12 of their key players signed on at a cap hit of $39.5 million. That number does not include figures for Zach Boychuk, Drayson Bowman or Brandon Sutter.

At the draft last night, Ward was taken 14th overall, in the first round by Stacey. Ward was the sixth goalie taken in the first round and has plenty of potential to be in the top three once again. At the 14th pick, he could end up being a huge bargain.