|
Post by turnbuckle on Jan 24, 2003 17:50:16 GMT -5
I admit to being a Ward booster - it's been my opinion for the past year-and-a-half that we could use his size/work ethic in our lineup.
Man; he must be reaching his end with this organization. All he's done is become the top scorer in the AHL at the age of 23 (not many do it that young), and what's the thanks he gets?
While teams throughout the league call up much smaller players who were averaging less than half a point per game in the AHL, Ward continues to languish on the farm.
Yes; it's easier to call up Hainsey and Hossa because they can be sent back without going on waivers, but why hasn't he garnered a shot?
In the past year Savard has added Audette, McKay, Czerkawski and now Sundstrom - four right wingers.
Ward may have had his hopes up when Audette was put on waivers, and then Savard turns around and trades for yet another right winger.
It must be awfully frustring for the big guy.
I hope he gets a shot somewhere else next season - it certainly doesn't appear that will happen in Montreal - Savard apparently has an extreme affliction for large forwards who aren't afraid to mix it up.
It's disappointing.
|
|
|
Post by MPLABBE on Jan 24, 2003 18:09:48 GMT -5
No need to be that dissapointed if you are Ward.
His season this year is going to give him ANOTHER chance in the NHL. Here or somewhere else. Keep in mind there is no room up here...
If Ward doesn't make this team next year...then he should be real dissapointed. There is also the fact that Ward has to clear waivers if he is called up and sent down again.
|
|
|
Post by Viper on Jan 24, 2003 18:51:40 GMT -5
Excellent post turnbuckle could he be trade bait maybe AS isn't done yet the deadline awaits
|
|
|
Post by Doc Holliday on Jan 24, 2003 18:52:02 GMT -5
I admit to being a Ward booster - it's been my opinion for the past year-and-a-half that we could use his size/work ethic in our lineup. Man; he must be reaching his end with this organization. All he's done is become the top scorer in the AHL at the age of 23 (not many do it that young), and what's the thanks he gets? While teams throughout the league call up much smaller players who were averaging less than half a point per game in the AHL, Ward continues to languish on the farm. Yes; it's easier to call up Hainsey and Hossa because they can be sent back without going on waivers, but why hasn't he garnered a shot? In the past year Savard has added Audette, McKay, Czerkawski and now Sundstrom - four right wingers. Ward may have had his hopes up when Audette was put on waivers, and then Savard turns around and trades for yet another right winger. It must be awfully frustring for the big guy. I hope he gets a shot somewhere else next season - it certainly doesn't appear that will happen in Montreal - Savard apparently has an extreme affliction for large forwards who aren't afraid to mix it up. It's disappointing. I agree Ward did all he had to do with this organization and I hope he gets traded or waived soon. There is no point is wasting this guy's carreer but the good news for him is that his good year certainly won't go unnoticed outside of Montreal and he will get a chance somewhere else at some point. He's big, strong, rough, works hard and has character, though the profile can't be used in Montreal, there are a couple of teams out there that could find him a spot.
|
|
sXe
Rookie
Posts: 60
|
Post by sXe on Jan 24, 2003 19:07:45 GMT -5
I'm sure Julien has some good hindsight into what Ward can bring to this team. If the 'numbers game' doesn't allow it this year, I'm sure CJ will make sure he stays habs property for next year if he thinks he deserves a shot at ht e big club.
Since most can't wait for Komi to step up , I can't imagine what the next 2 years will be like especially if Traverse is still in the line-up...
|
|
|
Post by spider_ice on Jan 24, 2003 20:59:54 GMT -5
Has good has Ward is in the Ahl it's still the Ahl. Ward isn't in the nhl because is skating hasn't improve and he still doesn't make feel is presence on the ice. Ryder maybe ahead of Ward on the list of Savard and Julien because has a better skating then Ward and he likes intense and rough games a lot more then ward do.
|
|
|
Post by montreal on Jan 24, 2003 21:01:22 GMT -5
I agree Ward did all he had to do with this organization and I hope he gets traded or waived soon. There is no point is wasting this guy's carreer but the good news for him is that his good year certainly won't go unnoticed outside of Montreal and he will get a chance somewhere else at some point. He's big, strong, rough, works hard and has character, though the profile can't be used in Montreal, there are a couple of teams out there that could find him a spot. Well 29 teams passed on Ward earlier this season, but I don't think that would happen again next waiver draft. It will be interesting to see where he ends up over the summer.
|
|
|
Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jan 24, 2003 21:06:37 GMT -5
I admit to being a Ward booster - it's been my opinion for the past year-and-a-half that we could use his size/work ethic in our lineup. Man; he must be reaching his end with this organization. All he's done is become the top scorer in the AHL at the age of 23 (not many do it that young), and what's the thanks he gets? While teams throughout the league call up much smaller players who were averaging less than half a point per game in the AHL, Ward continues to languish on the farm. Yes; it's easier to call up Hainsey and Hossa because they can be sent back without going on waivers, but why hasn't he garnered a shot? In the past year Savard has added Audette, McKay, Czerkawski and now Sundstrom - four right wingers. Ward may have had his hopes up when Audette was put on waivers, and then Savard turns around and trades for yet another right winger. It must be awfully frustring for the big guy. I hope he gets a shot somewhere else next season - it certainly doesn't appear that will happen in Montreal - Savard apparently has an extreme affliction for large forwards who aren't afraid to mix it up. It's disappointing. Outstanding post! Ward's problem is he is big and he can score. Savard prefers smurfs like Petrov, Audette, and Dackell who are small and can't score. Hopefully Julien will prevail and we will see Ward turning on the red light in Montreal. I don't agree that there is no room for Ward. There are lots of smurfs and non-producers that can be sent down. Question: How many of the current Hab's forwards would be leading the AHL in scoring if they were sent down? Dackell, Petrov, Sundstrom?
|
|
|
Post by Patty Roy on Jan 24, 2003 21:54:51 GMT -5
Good to see you posting here turnbuckle, your one of the posters whose opinion i always value on that other hockey board...
As for Ward, well sure its got to be discouraging, but at the same time he must know that his stock is on the rise with his strong showing in the AHL this season. I expect Julien to give him a real good chance in camp next fall (if he's still with the Habs). At the same time, i'm sure that Ward's performance this year is an eye opener for other organizations. If the Habs arn't interested in giving him a shot, i bet there are a number of clubs that would be willing to give him a look.
|
|
|
Post by UberCranky on Jan 24, 2003 22:10:51 GMT -5
I like Wards gritty play but I don't know how it fits in the Savardian mold. Dare I call it a plan? Wqard is neither fast or quick and we know that those are the two attributes Savard wants on his team.
He is a good asset that should not get away. He may turn out to be a very servicable third liner or even a second liner using his size and willingness to mix it up.
Julien knows him bettter then anyone so it stand to reason that he will make sure that he is kept in the fold when the time comes. If not, then Julien does not think he can make it. In fact, Julien as a Hab's coach may be the best thing that ever happened to him.
BTW, welcome to HabsRus turnbuckle.
|
|
|
Post by legaspesien on Jan 24, 2003 22:30:31 GMT -5
Ward will be playing in MTL soon
1-CJ like him 2-the most important if Donald duck can live he shoot RIGHT we don't have any
If I would be in Dackell pants I'll be very frustaded because Sundstrom is here to take is spot
|
|
|
Post by MPLABBE on Jan 24, 2003 22:40:29 GMT -5
Dackell was interviewed by RDS and he was not even worried...in fact happy a swede has joined him here........
Kind of surprising...he should see the writting on the wall IMO
|
|
|
Post by PTH on Jan 25, 2003 1:32:04 GMT -5
....He's big, strong, rough, works hard and has character, though the profile can't be used in Montreal..... Being a tad sarcastic, aren't we Doc ? ;-)
|
|