2. Cam Ward
Team: Carolina Hurricanes Age: 32 Status: UFA
2015-2016 stats: GP: 52 W: 23 L: 17 OT: 15 SO: 1 GAA: 2.41 SV%: .909
It is not often that a goaltender that backstopped a club to a Stanley Cup victory becomes available on the open market. In fact, Ward is the only goalie on the market that fits that bill.
There are some reasons, however, that Ward is available. The Stanley Cup he won was a decade ago, and though he hasn’t been terrible, he has not performed at an elite level since 2011. Still, teams will be interested.
Will the Avalanche be in on Ward? Almost certainly not. Plenty of teams will be, though. He won’t command the $6.8 he made last season, but should still be in for another hefty paycheck.
Estimated cost: $5-6 million.