AARON WARD HEADS TO ANAHEIM
The Anaheim Ducks acquired defenseman Aaron Ward from the Carolina Hurricanes for goaltender Justin Pogge and a conditional fourth-round draft pick.
What does it give the Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks get a dependable stay-at-home veteran defenseman in Ward, whom despite his age (37) could help them shore up their defensive corps for a possible playoff run (if they can get hot soon). Scott Niedermayer is the Ducks' only established grizzled vet on the blueline and Ward's leadership should help them down the stretch. Moreover, Ward's contract expires after this season, which gives Anaheim more options during the summer.
What does it give the Carolina Hurricanes
Pogge is having a solid season playing for San Antonio of the AHL and at 23 still has a chance to get his once-promising career back on track. Carolina has a good starting goalie in Cam Ward and some solid youngsters coming up in the system (in Justin Peters and Mike Murphy) but Pogge could prove a solid depth add (especially in the short term with Ward currently out due to an upper-body injury and with old vet Manny Legace struggling this season). The 4th-rounder is a nice bonus.
Fantasy impact
