Capitals GM says Ward return 'unlikely' after signing of Justin Williams

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Joel Ward's days with the Washington Capitals may have come to an end.

Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan spoke with the media Thursday and stated that it was "unlikely" Ward would be returning after the club signed Justin Williams to a two-year contract, although the option hasn't been completely ruled out.

The Capitals do still have more than $14 million in cap space after the Williams signing, but still need to work out deals with restricted free agent forwards Evgeny Kuznetsov and Marcus Johansson, and starting goaltender Braden Holtby, who is in line for a large payday with a lengthy term.

Ward, 34, is one of the top remaining forwards on the market after posting 19 goals and 15 assists in 82 games last season, adding another nine points in the postseason.