Anaheim Buys Into Aaron Ward

			2009/2010 NHL Statistics
To Anaheim	Position	Age	GP	Goals	Points	2010 Cap Hit	2011 Cap Hit
Aaron Ward	Defenseman	37	60	1	11	$2.5 million	UFA
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To Carolina	Position	Age	MIN	Wins	Points	2010 Cap Hit	2011 Cap Hit
Justin Pogge	Goaltender	23	0	0	0	$605,000	RFA
4th Round Draft Pick

The Anaheim Ducks are buyers now, as the Nick Boynton deal to Chicago now makes a little more sense, as the Ducks have acquired Aaron Ward from the Hurricanes for minor-league goalie Justin Pogge and a mid-round pick.

The Ducks love their defensemen, as that's the lasting legacy of Brian Burke's era in Anaheim, so Ward had to be a prized target for the team. He'll bring some more defensive stability to the team, possibly opening up some more flexibility to make some deals.

The Hurricanes are stockpiling goaltenders with this deal. Pogge had lots of upside coming out of the World Juniors, but hasn't panned out very well since. The Hurricanes have been developing goaltenders at a good pace, maybe they can work Pogge into their system and make him a winner in the pros.

I don't think there is much of a concern for the cap in Anaheim, taking on the remainder of Ward's deal from Carolina. The math is really getting skewed without the proper calculator, but they should be okay with this deal.

The Hurricanes are making a straight dump with this deal, as Pogge will be heading to the minors.

Another Sheet pool deal here, so there isn't much to say pool-wise. The scoring in this deal does decidedly go to the Ducks, who make themselves harder to play in their own end, hopefully lifting them into the playoffs down the home stretch. If the Canes can develop Pogge like they have Justin Peters and others, then its a good deal for them, but its a long-term investment.

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