Report: Blackhawks, Ward to sign deal worth over $2.5M annually

The Chicago Blackhawks will sign former Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward to a contract with a cap hit over $2.5 million annually, according to The Athletic's Scott Powers.

The 34-year-old has spent his entire 13-year career with the Hurricanes, winning the Stanley Cup and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy in his rookie campaign.

Ever since that remarkable first season, Ward has seen mixed results with the club. He's coming off a lackluster 2017-18 campaign in which he finished with a 23-14-4 record with a 2.73 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage in 43 games.

He'll serve as backup to Corey Crawford, but given Crawford's recent injury woes, Ward could be called upon to take over the starting role.