WRAL Sports Fan

Hurricanes

Ward still in hospital, Rutherford looking for another goalie

By Ken Medlin

Nov 8, 2009

Raleigh, N.C. — Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward will remain in an Ohio hospital for another night and could be out for a month. Canes general manager Jim Rutherford told WRAL Sunday night he is looking to trade for another goalie with Ward out.

Ward suffered a laceration of the left upper leg from the skate of Columbus forward Rick Nash, as Nash passed through the crease during the first period of Carolina’s 3-2 loss to the Blue Jackets on Saturday night. He was originally expected to return to Raleigh on Sunday, but will remain in Columbus at Riverside Methodist Hospital through tonight to guard against infection.

Ward is expected to return to Raleigh on Monday, where he will be evaluated further by Dr. Marty Isbell. The goaltender is expected to miss a minimum of three to four weeks of action.

Ward's injury comes during the worst start in Hurricanes franchise history. The Canes are mired in a 12-game winless streak, and the loss of their franchise goaltender leaves a vital position in limbo.

"After what we've been going through, this is a critical situation," Rutherford.

Rutherford says the Hurricanes may call up goaltender Justin Peters from Albany to back up Michael Leighton, but their primary focus will be to obtain another netminder through a trade.

"We're looking outside of the organization," Rutherford said. "That's what I've been working on all day, and we hope to get something done."