Joel Ward – San Jose Sharks – three years, $3.275 million cap hit
In today’s NHL it is generally not a good idea to invest money or term into a player in his mid 30s, but the San Jose Sharks elected to do that with Joel Ward and, to this point, it has certainly paid off.
The now 35-year-old has been very good for the Sharks this season having tallied 20 goals and 41 points in 72 games.
That’s very good production for a player of his salary, especially when you factor in he has made a positive impact on the Sharks 5 v 5 possession, and scoring chance numbers, and is also capable of penalty killer.
What I find most impressive about Ward’s season is that he’s been so effective offensively having played less than 30 minutes with either of the Sharks’ two best offensive players in Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski.
Ward’s most frequent linemates – Patrick Marleau and Matt Nieto – are not exactly slouches when it comes to piling up the points, but it is encouraging that Ward has been able to produce without riding shot gun alongside the team’s best players.
There are still a couple years on his deal, obviously, and it’s more likely than not his production goes south as time passes, but if he can continue to post anywhere close to the numbers he has this season it will be money well spent by GM Doug Wilson.