The Carolina Hurricanes have brought back a familiar face, acquiring defenseman Aaron Ward from the Boston Bruins in exchange for forward Patrick Eaves and a fourth-round selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
"With this trade, our defense really takes shape," said Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford. "Aaron played very well during his time in Carolina and had maintained that consistency with New York and Boston. We envision him complementing Joni Pitkanen well as a defensive pairing."
The Bruins have immediately placed Eaves on waivers for the purpose of buying him out.
Ward, 36, completed his 14th NHL season in 2008-09, totaling three goals and seven assists for 10 points, with 44 penalty minutes in 65 games for the Bruins.
The Windsor, Ont., native was originally drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in the first round, fifth overall, of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft.
Ward has tallied 43 goals and 95 assists for 138 career points, along with 674 penalty minutes in 762 career NHL games with Detroit, Carolina, the New York Rangers and Boston. He has captured the Stanley Cup championships three times – 1997 and 1998 with Detroit and 2006 with Carolina.
