Ward is a stay-at-home defenseman
Leading up to the Feb. 26 trade deadline, when he fielded multiple inquiries about the availability of Aaron Ward, Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli could tell that come July 1, there would be demand for the veteran defenseman.
That's why on Tuesday, well before the opening of free agency, Chiarelli locked up the 35-year-old Ward for two more seasons at an annual cost of $2.5 million, preventing him from hitting the open market.
"I believe Aaron took a little less money to stay here than he could have gotten elsewhere," said Chiarelli yesterday of Ward, who was paid $2.75 million annually on his previous contract. "I'm very happy with Aaron for doing that. He fits into what we're trying to accomplish here. He's defense first, but he can contribute offensively. He played well within our system. He's a tremendous leader. I'm ecstatic that he's back and decided to stay with us. I'm very happy to have him for the next little bit."
While the Bruins acted swiftly to lock up Ward, the three-time Stanley Cup winner was just as eager to sign before July 1.
In 2006, after winning his most recent ring with the Hurricanes, Ward was in a similar situation. He hit free agency and signed a two-year contract with the Rangers - a move that was an ill fit for both player and club. Ward didn't care for the stresses of free agency, then never found the right role in New York, prompting the Bruins to acquire him for fellow defenseman Paul Mara Feb. 27, 2007.
"I didn't want to endure the stress of free agency knowing that the Boston Bruins, as an organization, are going in the right direction and I want to be part of it," Ward said. "Now my family can sit back, relax, and have some direction and consistency in our life. I want to be a member of the Boston Bruins for a while here. I'm looking forward to getting the season started, even though it's only May."
Ward expressed his optimism for the team, noting how it had come together and learned to win by the end of the season, then took Montreal to Game 7 in the first round of the playoffs. During the run, Ward played an integral role, with an emphasis on tight checking and shot-blocking. But Ward's presence in the dressing room was just as significant, as he served as a leader for the younger players and a trusted sounding board for captain Zdeno Chara.
"I did find that comfort level here," Ward said. "As a veteran, you want to make a contribution and you want to add something to the locker room and direction to the team. I'm comfortable with all the players. I have a great rapport with the younger players and veterans alike. I established a good relationship with the coaching staff. I'm very happy. That's one of the reasons why I wanted to come back to Boston. I'm happy playing here. That's not an indictment on playing in New York. With some organizations, it doesn't work with the player and the organization. It's not a great fit. I feel the Boston Bruins are a great fit for me."
Chiarelli said he's progressing in negotiations with unrestricted free agent Glen Metropolit and restricted free agents Dennis Wideman, Mark Stuart, and Petteri Nokelainen.
Fluto Shinzawa can be reached at fshinzawa@globe.com.
