The Blackhawks Will Reportedly Sign Cam Ward To A 1-Year $2.5M Deal

Chief 6/29/2018 11:27 AM

I think Cam Ward was first reported by Jay Zawaski, but Chris Johnson has the terms of the deal. Sounds like Cam Ward is coming into town as Corey Crawford backup after the Hawks had been linked to both Carter Hutton and Jonathan Bernier. Cam Ward is a little long in the tooth, but he makes sense for the Blackhawks as a stop-gap veteran back-up.

Carter Hutton is going to Buffalo. I am sure he his price tag will be richer and the Sabres had something not too many other teams could offer…a starting position.

Jonathan Bernier is one of those guys I’ve loved for a long time, but for really no reason. Definitely would’ve been happy to add him to the mix, but not for 3 years he’s reportedly getting from Detroit. The other problem with Bernier is durability. If you still have concerns about Crawford’s availability then committing to Bernier brings some risk with it.

That brings us back to Cam Ward. Known as a good guy. A locker room guy. A guy who was awesome like 12 years ago. I think having a calm, veteran, and a name in net is a positive for the Blackhawks. The goaltending was a DISASTER last year and it permeated it’s way throughout the entire team. The team played tight, especially in their own zone, because they knew mistakes would end up in the back of their net. I don’t think its a coincidence that Duncan Keith had his worst year when he didn’t trust the goaltending behind him. I think Cam Ward is a guy that will bring more of a steady hand and a sense of calm than Anton Forsberg or anyone else at this point.

So the first move of any consequence for the 2018-19 season appears to be done. Backup goalie was a need and the Hawks addressed it. Hopefully Crawford plays, plays like himself, and Cam Ward gives the Hawks 25 quality starts and helps the team get back to the playoffs. If Crawford can’t play to the All-Star level we’ve seen, Cam Ward is NOT going to be a savior. Hopefully he can just help the Hawks keep their head above water. Through that lense it’s a fine signing.