Cam Ward headed toward big payday, but how much?

by Bob Wage on Sep 23, 2009 8:00 AM EDT

There is a lot riding on Cam Ward this season. Almost every hockey publication has stressed that his performance will be a major factor to the success or failure of the team this year. And who can blame them? When the Hurricanes went on a huge winning streak in the final month of the season last March, "Ward-o" was at his best.

Then he went on to continue his outstanding work in the playoffs.

The goalie is in the final year of a contract which will pay him 3.5 million this year and it will be a priority for the franchise to get him re-signed before July 1, 2010 when he will be a restricted free agent. But unlike Eric Staal, who got a contract extension almost a year before his deal expired, management is saying they will wait until the end of this season to work on Cam's.

How much do you think he will be paid? First, let's take a look at some of his stats.

Ward has been improving every year of his career.

2005-06 GP 28 W 14 L 8 OTL 2 GAA 3.68 SV% .882 SO 0
2006-07 GP 60 W 30 L 21 OTL 6 GAA 2.93 SV% .897 SO 2
2007-08 GP 69 W 37 L 25 OTL 5 GAA 2.75 SV% .904 SO 4
2008-09 GP 68 W 39 L 23 OTL 5 GAA 2.44 SV% .916 SO 6
Lifetime GP 225 W 120 L 77 OTL 18 GAA 2.81 SV% .903 SO 12

While the goalie's regular season stats are respectable, his playoff performances are approaching legendary status. He is undefeated in game seven's, (4-0) and has only lost one playoff series so far in his career. (6-1). The 25 year old has also won a Conn Smythe as well as a Stanley Cup.

His playoff stats are better than the regular season:

Lifetime GP 41 W 23 L 18 GAA 2.38 SV% .917

The last time Ward was up for a new contract, he got the exact same deal that Ryan Miller received. The Buffalo goalie signed a contract last year which pays him an average of 6.25 million for five years.

Miller's regular season stats are a bit better than Ward's, but Miller is three years older.

Lifetime GP 264 W 146 L 86 OTL 26 GAA 2.66 SV% .910

His playoffs stats are also good, although he has not won the accolades Ward has.

Lifetime GP 34 W 20 L 14 GAA 2.40 SV% .915

Another goalie Ward might be compared to is Marc-Andre Fleury, the recent Cup winner who recently signed a seven year 35 million dollar contract. Fleury's stats?

Lifetime GP 235 W 111 L 85 OTL GAA 2.87 SV% .907

Like Ward, Fleury's playoff stats are better than his regular season's.

Lifetime GP 49 W 31 L 18 GAA 2.45 SV% .916

Will Ward get a deal commensurate with Fleury or another deal like Miller's? Or will he earn even more? It figures to be long term and it will be lucrative, but how high will Jim Rutherford and Peter Karmanos go? Do you agree with the decision to wait until after the season to negotiate, or should they try to extend Ward now?

Poll

What will Cam Ward's cap hit be in his next contract? (average annual salary)

3 million

2 votes

4 million

26 votes

5 million

114 votes

6 million

96 votes

7 million

20 votes

8 million or higher

4 votes

262 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 38 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

The big difference, for me, between Miller and Cam is the age difference. It’s amazing that Cam will turn just 26 this season. Miller is 29. Cam, along with Fleury, Steve Mason, Pekka Rinne, Carey Prince, Simeon Varlamov and Jonas Hiller are a really strong group of young goalies with long careers ahead of them. Tuukka Rask, Al Montoya, Cory Schneider and Mike Smith and could join that group, along with some others. I don’t know if there’s ever been a better crop of young goalies in my lifetime.

CanesCountry.com: An Eye On Carolina Hockey

by Cory Lavalette on Sep 23, 2009 8:33 AM EDT reply actions

I didn’t vote in the poll for the same reason JR wants to wait to negotiate. Cam has shown he can be an elite player or a very average player. Last (regular) season he was actually quite good. Was the solid play a fluke or does he return to the sporadic play of previous years ? And please don’t blame the D-men infront of him. Cam was average at best. Period. We know we’ll get Hall-of-Fame quality in the playoffs but this next regular season determines his future. I hope he’s going to be a very wealthy man.

by drifterscape on Sep 23, 2009 9:36 AM EDT reply actions

couldn't agree more. Contract years are contract years...same for every player - it's great leverage for a GM but it can also be great leverage for a great player that is willing to further elevate his game. Let's hope wardo elevates it and makes JR pay the man.

by aaw6848 on Sep 23, 2009 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions

I personally think it is kind of a slap in the face not signing him before the season starts. As you mentioned Staal was resigned prior to his contract year so if Ward is going to be the future goalie of the organization do it now and dont make him think about it all season. I think he has enough pressure on him. Plus the only reason I see why they would do it the way they are is in hopes that he might have a little bit of a less impressive year and then they might feel they wont have to pay him as much. To me personally I would be a bit peeved if I was Ward.

by letsgocanes on Sep 23, 2009 9:39 AM EDT reply actions

I am surprised, too. Just because JR has stated in the past that he likes to sign players prior to their contracts ending. He said it about three times during the press conference when Staal resigned.

by hotchipsnsalsa on Sep 23, 2009 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions

It was likely Ward's choice

We all know JR wants to get Ward signed now. It’s likely Ward’s decision to hold off until after the season. He’s likely doing this to get the best contract he can get.

by C-Leaguer on Sep 23, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions

I highly doubt that.

I doubt if they were willing to give him a similar contract to Fluery or even one of any length with probably 5 mil a year he would turn that down. There is to much to lose in not doing that.

by letsgocanes on Sep 23, 2009 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Why?

You’re focusing on how much there is to lose (not a lot, IMO…how often do goalies ever get hurt?) Look at his career trend and the improvements to the team in front of him and think of how much there is to gain.

Remember when the Panthers had a good offensive line? Yeah, me too.
--Darin Gantt

by MichaelProcton on Sep 23, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Sums up my thoughts exactly. Right now, Ward is slotted right with Fluerry. Another good year and/or playoff run and he could make a case that he is better than Fluerry, regardless of team or salary structure.

by C-Leaguer on Sep 23, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Personally, I believe that Ward is better than MAF. Maybe Wardo is waiting for a better deal. I don’t know, and if he is, I cannot blame him. I guess it depends on how much he enjoys being in Carolina. Maybe management is hoping that he will take a pay cut to stay with this team?

Regardless, I agree with Procton; how often do golies get hurt? Wardo is fairly young, has been getting better every year, and the Canes need to lock him in before he plays even better.

The fact that we have waited this long scares me. There is no other goalie that I would rather have in our net than Cam Ward, he has done very very well for us. The last thing I want to worry about next year is – whos going to be in net.

We need to resign him now, or potentially risk losing one of the key individuals on this team.

by PittsburghCaniac on Sep 24, 2009 12:27 AM EDT up reply actions

It's only a slap in the face...

if Ward himself wanted to get a deal done. Staal obviously did.

Remember when the Panthers had a good offensive line? Yeah, me too.
--Darin Gantt

by MichaelProcton on Sep 23, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I remember talking to someone before the start of last season that I thought Ward and Fluerry were comparable goaltenders. Fluerry got the edge, but that had a lot to do with the team he was on and the amount of regular season games he got in 2005-06. That’s really the type of deal I’d like to see Ward sign because the Canes could still compete very well while accommodating that salary.

What I’m worried is that Ward will have another good year and want something more along the lines of Miller. Now, while I think Miller is a good goalie, I think Buffalo overpaid because the only way to keep him was to over pay. The problem is that Miller’s contract set the marketplace. 1.25 million might not seem like a lot compared to the salary cap, but that is the combined salary of Yelle and Kostopolous this year.

by C-Leaguer on Sep 23, 2009 10:37 AM EDT reply actions

TIme will tell, but I think it’s going to be a big salary. For people who know nothing about the Canes, they do know (and are jealous that we have) Cam Ward. If he makes the Oly roster, this will be expensive.

Hope I’m wrong – I’m not sure how “attached” to Raleigh and the organization he is. Tough to read.

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Sep 23, 2009 12:10 PM EDT reply actions

He seems like he likes it fine...

but for some, the call of greener pastures is a siren.

Remember when the Panthers had a good offensive line? Yeah, me too.
--Darin Gantt

by MichaelProcton on Sep 23, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Is the question how much "should he" or "will he" get paid?

It feels to me like the signing salaries have really jumped the past year or so to a point where teams are overpaying (or maybe they were underpaying before but that’s where my mind is set). I think he’s worth 4-4.5M a year, given his issues with consistency, but he’ll probably get closer to 5.5-6M, given what teams are willing to pay Staal and others.

by CaniacMom on Sep 23, 2009 12:52 PM EDT reply actions

It's not a question of your valuation of their worth.

Like any economic situation, it’s where the market sets the going rate. For a young, top-flight goalie, that’s $6 mil+.

Remember when the Panthers had a good offensive line? Yeah, me too.
--Darin Gantt

by MichaelProcton on Sep 23, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly! It almost reminds me of how Edmonton crushed Buffalo on the Vanek deal a few years back….someone will pony up the money. Yes, sometimes during the regular season he doesn’t play as well, but the man is a gamer when it comes to the playoffs- he shows up.

by PittsburghCaniac on Sep 24, 2009 12:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Off- topic, but it looks like Bayda survived the latest round of cuts in Pittsburgh today

Forwards on the bubble (fighting for 1 or 2 spots): Ryan Bayda, Paul Bissonnette, Chris Conner, Wyatt Smith

I have no idea who those other players are. I find myself rooting for him.

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Sep 23, 2009 1:16 PM EDT reply actions

Note the other commentary on Bayda's candidacy:

The forwards still in the hunt (Bayda, Conner and Smith) all have a lot more NHL experience than the youngsters sent packing today (Caputi, Jeffrey, Johnson, Tangradi). It’s clear the Pens want a vet for NHL depth and give the young guys a chance to develop by playing every night in the A rather than sitting in the press box in the NHL.

Remember when the Panthers had a good offensive line? Yeah, me too.
--Darin Gantt

by MichaelProcton on Sep 23, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Salary Cap

Isn’t the cap supposed to drop a couple mil next year? How is this going to effect the roster if they decide to sign him at 5MM a year? I guess we’ll have to bring up some of the Rats for a cheaper roster…….

Satan is just a coping mechanism for monotheists.

by wilmnoca on Sep 23, 2009 1:19 PM EDT reply actions

The salary cap may or may not drop, but a lot of salary comes off the books next year for the Canes as Walker, Corvo, Whitney, Cullen, A. Ward, and Wallin all will need new contracts. Some of them will be replaced with cheaper, younger options.

GM of CanesCountry.com

by Bob Wage on Sep 23, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions

And Paladin will finally be happy.

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Sep 23, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Doubt it.

Not until the top line consists of guys who still have junior eligibility.

Remember when the Panthers had a good offensive line? Yeah, me too.
--Darin Gantt

by MichaelProcton on Sep 23, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree that we need to wait and see what Ward does for at least part of the season.

Lets not forget his back issue, we need to wait for at least 20 games to see if he holds out. Playing 1 or 2 preseason games does not tell the tale of his back issue. Hopefully it’s not an issue.
Lets see if he is consistant with his play until December, then talk contract. Staal was JR’s exception to the rule when he signed him last year before the season started.

Hopefully Ward will EARN a good signing before season’s end.

by c59 on Sep 23, 2009 3:04 PM EDT reply actions

JR does not negotiate contracts during the season.

by SouthernHockeyFan on Sep 23, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Saving a milliion or two over 4 years would make this situation worthy of an exception.

by drifterscape on Sep 23, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Really?

A single occurrence of back spasms is enough to send shivers down your spine?

Remember when the Panthers had a good offensive line? Yeah, me too.
--Darin Gantt

by MichaelProcton on Sep 23, 2009 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Well to be fair, it was probably two incidents (one during the playoffs and one during Olympic camp). As of right now, it isn’t a huge cause for concern, but if it does become a frequent problem, I could see JR being hesitant to sign him to a huge long term deal.

by caniacgirl on Sep 23, 2009 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions

That’s a great line MP – and “copactic” elsewhere – you’re in fine form these days.

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Sep 24, 2009 6:07 AM EDT up reply actions

I would agree...

having two issues with back spasms that close together worries me as well.

If they continue to be a minor hindrance this season I would think that Ward would get a shorter contract, maybe two-three years, as well as less money 4-5 million. At least from the Canes.

If he has a similar season to last year or better, and no back issues, then I see him getting a huge salary of 6-7 milliion for 6+ years. IF the salary cap stays stable.

The real question may be at what point does JR decide to just bring up the two AHLers? If the rate to keep him is 6 million a year, we could have both the Albany keepers here as well as two new $2.5m defensemen.

by EricinSC on Sep 23, 2009 11:42 PM EDT reply actions

Ward will NEVER sign for less than $5 mil a year long term.

Remember when the Panthers had a good offensive line? Yeah, me too.
--Darin Gantt

by MichaelProcton on Sep 23, 2009 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions

ABSOLUTELY CORRECT He will get paid the money he is worth. We need to resign him NOW!!!

The upside of the Canes doing well this year, and him playing even better is a lot more likely than him suddenly falling apart. The longer we wait, the potentially higher the contract. And if we lose him, who do we put in his place? I cannot emphasize enough how much I believe that we need to sign him ASAP.

Toss him 6 mil for 5 years and pray that he takes it….because in the open market, who knows what will happen.

by PittsburghCaniac on Sep 24, 2009 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions

*6 mil a year for 5 years….30M total.

by PittsburghCaniac on Sep 24, 2009 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions

That's about what I'm thinking.

Remember when the Panthers had a good offensive line? Yeah, me too.
--Darin Gantt

by MichaelProcton on Sep 24, 2009 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions

If we are lucky. I definitely can see him commanding $7 mil a year like hockeymom stated below. We need to get him on the books now while we are the only team negotiating with him.

by PittsburghCaniac on Sep 24, 2009 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I voted $7 mil truthfully. Before reading any of this. I just thought about what we’re paying Eric and that Cam, like Eric, is considered the core building block of the team. JR LOVES the guy and will not wear the indifferent poker face he used with Cole and LaRose….

Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!

by Carolyn Christians on Sep 24, 2009 6:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Back problems at 25 complicate the matter. I would love to see JR work his magic and get Cam signed for 5 years @ $25mil. I have a feeling it is going to be closer to about $6mil a season. One thing the organization needs to do is find a decent backup, so Cam doesn’t go 30 games in a row. Leighton is alright, but the coaching staff obviously doesn’t have much confidence in him. Ward needs to be limited in the regular season to no more than 65 games, probably around an even 60. I don’t think he’ll make Team Canada this year and that might allow him to rest up for the final push.

by PackPride17 on Sep 24, 2009 10:35 PM EDT reply actions

Sometimes, it's not about a lack of confidence in your backup.

Ward is just that good. Further, he welcomes the opportunity to put the team on his back. He really gets on a roll when he’s heavily used, and I wouldn’t stray too far from that philosophy. Further, it saves us money we don’t need to spend on a #1A goalie.

Remember when the Panthers had a good offensive line? Yeah, me too.
--Darin Gantt

by MichaelProcton on Sep 25, 2009 3:43 AM EDT up reply actions