In his 10 full NHL seasons, veteran winger Joel Ward has missed the playoffs only twice - in his rookie season with the Nashville Predators in 2008-09, and 2013-14, when he scored a career-high 25 goals and 49 points with the Washington Capitals.
Expectations may be different in the latest stop of his career.
At the beginning of training camp, the 37-year-old accepted a professional tryout from the Montreal Canadiens, a team that likely won’t be relying on his veteran savvy to get them through a long playoff run.
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Still, Ward is embracing the chance to potentially prolong his career.
“Obviously, the end result here is to try and earn a spot,” Ward said. “It’s a good opportunity, if things work out here.”
Despite not having a contract, this isn’t unfamiliar territory for the Toronto native. Ward, who has family in the city, said there had been conversations with the Canadiens in the past about a potential role.
“A couple of years dating back, and at one point I thought it’d be true that I’d be here,” he said. “This didn’t work out that way.”
Ward suited up for the Canadiens in Quebec City on Thursday against the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals. The Caps iced a lineup featuring few notable players beyond Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov, with the Canadiens winning easily 5-2.
The night largely belonged to the Habs’ top line of Brendan Gallagher, Phillip Danault, and Tomas Tatar, who combined for five points. Still, Ward played well on a line with AHL veteran Michael Chaput and free agent signee Matthew Peca. The 37-year-old veteran, who spent the last three seasons with the San Jose Sharks, kept up with the pace of the game and finished with an assist and a shot on goal while playing third-line minutes.
Early in the first period, Chaput forced a turnover at the offensive blueline and found Ward with a pass. Ward then sent a perfect pass back onto the tape of Chaput, who was driving the net and finished the play off with a goal.
“Pretty good off the start,” Ward said after the game. “You’re just kind of adjusting and learning some new systems, so it took some time. Overall, I’m happy we got to play a good game.”
On the surface, the decision to bring Ward in is a curious one. Expectations in La Belle Province are lower this season, with meaningful April hockey an unlikely proposition. Part of Ward’s value is experience, depth and playing a heavy game best-suited for the grind of the playoffs. He has 52 career post-season points in 83 games.
However, on a team not expecting to contend for the Stanley Cup, Ward could be taking a role away from a younger player with more upside, like Chaput or Calgary Flames 2013 first round draft pick Hunter Shinkaruk, if he makes the final cut.
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When considering general manager Marc Bergevin’s comments following last season’s historically-bad season, Ward may have more value to the Canadiens than initially thought. Bergevin referenced the team’s attitude several times, which the battle-tested Ward could help rectify if he earns a spot on the roster.
“This is a solid fit for Montreal,” said Ward’s agent, Peter Cooney. “Joel brings positive assets of skill on the ice and cultural character and presence off the ice.”
Ward knows that his off-ice attributes might be the determining factor on whether the Canadiens offer him a contract.
“My last couple of years in San Jose was a great experience in learning how to win and what to do, and trying to do things the right way,” Ward said.
“It wasn’t that long ago where I was in a Stanley Cup Finals and making a push.”
There would seem to be a spot for a player with that kind of character and experience, no matter what the expectations are for the Habs this season.