After missing out on several first options on the blue line, the Rangers appear to have gone with Plan B., signing former Carolina Hurricane defenseman Aaron Ward.  Ward will join his former team mate Matt Cullen on the Rangers, as the 33 year old defenseman signs on with a Rangers team who are looking to strengthen their defense.  The 33 year old Canadian will look to be a key part of the Rangers defensive corps, bringing an average of 19:07 minutes of ice time a game, which was third amongst defensemen on the Hurricanes.  His biggest contributions though were at even strength and short handed, where he was second on the team, and lead all defensemen.  By comparison the Rangers used five defensemen with greater ice time last year (Rozsival – 22:27, Ozolinsh – 20:56, Poti – 20:46, Tyutin 20:33, and Malik 20:26), and no Blueshirt defender played more on the penalty kill.

Still there are questions to Ward’s game and what he’ll be able to bring to the Rangers.  Carolina was ranked 19th in the league on the penalty kill and one spot lower at 20th for the average number of goals given up.  Ward will give head coach Tom Renney a couple more options on defense, but will also perhaps force the Rangers now to look at the option of dealing one or more of their existing blueliners.