[frinkprof]

Don't want Ward in Calgary as I don't think he'd be that noticeable an upgrade over the current goaltending situation. Certainly not a big enough upgrade to justify the assets you'd have to give up, plus the hindrance his contract would be to the salary cap situation over the remaining 3 years of his contract.

I don't think he's quite in the salary dump category for Carolina where they'd be willing to take minimal assets or give up some assets just to be rid of him. There's not enough reasons to be a motivated seller on him.

I think any deal for him involving the Flames would be a lateral move for Calgary. That, plus I don't think that kind of trade for that type of goaltender with that type of contract fits into the rebuilding philosophy going on here.

I think Ward could be traded to a team who is struggling to make it to the cap floor and also needs a goaltender. Maybe the Islanders in a package involving their first round pick this year (something else of value going to the Islanders of course).

I've looked at the Hurricanes for several years now as just treading water. Maybe good enough to make the playoffs, but maybe not. No solid identity or brand of hockey. Not picking high enough to get surefire impact players coming into the system. Skinner was their last exciting rookie and there's still lots of potential there, but I'm not sure you can build around him as the primary part of a core. The defense is awful and the long-term affects of Rutherford's philosophy of always taking a forward in the first round (apart from Ryan Murphy who is a heavily offensively minded defenseman) are really starting to show. Honestly, playing in a small southern market and with a ho-hum roster and identity, I forget that the Hurricanes are in the league sometimes.

With the contracts they have, there won't be any quick fixes in Carolina. There are just too many sellers and not enough buyers to do a complete blow up. I think the biggest immediate impact change that can be made is behind the bench.