After breaking his ankle way back on November 1st, it seems Jason Ward is ready to return. The 6’3 winger sustained the injury while blocking a Vlad Malakhov shot against the Rangers. Malakhov, who is known league-wide for having one of the heavier shots in the NHL, wound up and directed one right off of the side of Ward’s ankle.
With six weeks of his season out the window, Ward will be heading to the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs on a conditioning stint. He will most likely play two ro three games in Hamilton, before returning to the Habs on a full time basis. Because this is just a conditioning stint, Ward will not have to clear waivers.
In 11 games this season, the native of Chapleau, Ontario posted 1 goal and 1 helper to salvage 2 points. Ward was also able to record a +1 rating and 15 minutes of penalties, while averaging 10:21 of ice time each night.
With the return of the always hustling Ward, and the additions of tough guy Darren Langdon and the feisty Steve Begin (who will have an MRI tomorrow to determine the extent of a shoulder injury that will keep him out of tonight’s lineup) the Habs lineup suddenly looks a lot grittier.
Source : Montreal Gazette, RDS