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May 20, 2008

Bruins sign Aaron Ward to multiyear extension

Boston Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed defenseman Aaron Ward to a multiyear contract extension.

Ward, a three-time Stanley Cup Champion, appeared in 65 regular season games for the Bruins last year and registered five goals, eight assists and a career high +9 plus/minus rating. The veteran blueliner led the team in blocked shots with 119 and finished third in hits with 143. Of his five goals, three were game-winners, including two in overtime. He played in six of the Bruins playoff games last season and had one assist.

The 35-year-old native of Ottawa, Ontario was originally drafted fifth overall in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft by the Winnipeg

Jets and was traded from Winnipeg to Detroit on June 11, 1993 along with a fourth round pick for Paul Ysebaert and future considerations. Ward made his NHL debut with Detroit on October 5, 1993 and would play seven seasons for the Red Wings. He won back-to-back Stanley Cups with Detroit during the 1996-1997 and 1997-1998 campaigns.

On July 9, 2001 Ward was traded to Carolina for a second round pick and he won his third Stanley Cup in 2005-2006 with the Hurricanes. Ward had his best season statistically during Carolina's championship season, as he notched career bests in goals (6), assists (19) and points (25). He then signed with the New York Rangers as a free agent following the '05-'06 season before being traded to the Bruins on February 27, 2007 in exchange for Paul Mara.

The 13-year NHL veteran has seen action in 697 regular season games in his career, tallying 40-88-128 totals and 630 penalty minutes. In 84 postseason contests, he recorded 3-6-9 totals and 71 penalty minutes.

Posted by Art Martone at May 20, 2008 4:01 PM