Aaron Ward on Waivers

Unfortunately on Monday afternoon veteran defenceman Aaron Ward learned that you can’t always go back home. This 36 year-old who was traded last summer from the Boston Bruins to the Carolina Hurricanes was officially put on waivers after posting six assist and a disappointing -15 rating in 31 games this season. Ward who has played a total of 793 games with the Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers and Boston Bruins is a three time Stanley Cup winner. Besides for winning two Cup with the Wings (’97 and ’98)Ward who was a former 1991 Winnipeg Jets first round pick also won a Cup in 2006 during his first go around with the Hurricanes. Even though he is in his late 30’s Ward who is on the final year of a contract worth 2.5 million shouldn’t have a problem finding employment with another team.  The Canes also sent backup goaltender Michael Leighton down to the AHL’s Albany River Rats after he cleared waivers. This 28 year-old has registered a 1-4-0 record in seven games with an ugly 4.29 GAA. In 76 starts Leighton has put together an 18-35-15 record in stints with the Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers and the Hurricanes