When the Carolina Hurricanes acquired Scott Darling from the Chicago Blackhawks, it signaled the end of an era in Carolina.
The club later inked Darling to a four-year contract and now the man who backed up Corey Crawford will take the reigns in Carolina. Cam Ward would certainly like to keep his net in light of the acquisition, but he understands the move and will do whatever he can to help his new goalie counterpart.
"I'm realistic," Ward said, according to Chip Alexander of the News Observer. "I understand the situation. I know he was brought in here to sign a four-year deal for pretty good money not to be a backup.
"I know where I am in my career. … Certainly I’m a competitive guy and I still want to be able to play and I’ll do whatever I can to earn that ice time, but I'm hopeful he can make that next step. He deserves that."
In 2016-17 Ward posted his worst save percentage and goals-against average in three years with .905 and 2.69 marks respectively. Meanwhile, Darling posted a save percentage of a .924 and a goals-against average of 2.38 - albeit in a smaller sample size.
It's likely part of the reason why Ward admits he was very supportive when he caught wind of the Darling trade.
"I thought it was a great move," Ward said. "I've heard nothing but good things about Scott Darling. … I look at a guy who’s ready to take that next step.
"I've been very fortunate to be here as long as I have and to be a No. 1 guy for over a decade, so I think I have something to offer to him. I think I can offer him my experience and give him the support he needs to make that next step."
Ward will turn 34 this season, while Darling turns 29 this coming December. Ward has 11 full seasons under his belt and knows his game is not at the level it once was.
"I'm getting toward the end," Ward said. "I hate to say that but it's realistic. I'm not in the first-half of my career; I'm in the second half.
"You learn to appreciate the game a lot more, your time with your teammates and trying to help them out. I'm looking forward to meeting Scott. I think we’ll be a good partnership."
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