Capitals GM says Ward return 'unlikely' after signing of Justin Williams
Tap here to view theScore's NHL Offseason tracker, which includes the latest transactions and rumors.
Joel Ward's days with the Washington Capitals may have come to an end.
Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan spoke with the media Thursday and stated that it was "unlikely" Ward would be returning after the club signed Justin Williams to a two-year contract, although the option hasn't been completely ruled out.
The Capitals do still have more than $14 million in cap space after the Williams signing, but still need to work out deals with restricted free agent forwards Evgeny Kuznetsov and Marcus Johansson, and starting goaltender Braden Holtby, who is in line for a large payday with a lengthy term.
Ward, 34, is one of the top remaining forwards on the market after posting 19 goals and 15 assists in 82 games last season, adding another nine points in the postseason.
HEADLINES
- Bedard out until at least early January with upper-body injury
- Sabres fire Kevyn Adams, promote Kekalainen to GM
- Hughes 'extremely open-minded' to staying with Wild long term
- Trade grades: Wild instantly become Cup contenders, Canucks score quantity
- Sharks place Smith, Kurashev on IR after their collision into boards