from Chip Alexander of the News & Observer,
For more than a decade, Ward has been the Canes’ franchise goalie. Since the day the Canes raised the Stanley Cup in 2006, and Ward was given the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the playoffs, No. 30 has been No. 1 in net.
But Ward said Friday that he will have – and would accept – the role of backup in the coming season and would assist Darling any way he can, with the goal of making the Canes a playoff team again.
“I’m realistic,” Ward said in an interview at Raleigh Center Ice. “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.”
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