Predators Re-Sign Joel Ward on Day 1 of the Free Agency Period.
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Nashville, Tenn. (July 1, 2009) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed Joel Ward to a two-year contract worth a total of $3 million.

Ward, 28 (12/2/80), posted 35 points (17g-18a) in 79 games with Nashville in 2008-09, his first full National Hockey League season. His goal total tied for fourth on the club, and the Predators posted a 10-2-2 record when the 6-1, 220-pound right wing scored a goal. The Toronto, Ont., native also tied for eighth among NHL forwards in blocked shots (69), and fourth on the club in average shorthanded ice time.

Prior to signing with Nashville, Ward spent three seasons in the Minnesota organization, playing 11 NHL games with the Wild in 2006-07 (0g-1a-1pt) and 209 AHL games with the Houston Aeros (38g-48a-86pts). He is a graduate of the University of Prince Edward Island, where he played four seasons for the Panthers (2001-05), notching 135 points (76g-76a) in 96 games.