Joel Ward News

The Sharks have acquired Joel Ward (shoulder) from IR.

Ward has been sidelined by a shoulder injury since February 8th but is set to re-join the Sharks lineup for Tuesday’s game vs. the Devils. He has picked up just 11 points (5G / 6A) in 46 games this season.

Joel Ward
Ward will be back in the Sharks lineup on Monday.

Ward has been sitting as a healthy scratch since the second game of the season (five games) but will replace Jannik Hansen in the lineup tonight. Ward has no points in two games this season and no longer carries any fantasy value.

Joel Ward
Ward (lower-body) will not play in the final two preseason games; but expected to be ready for the season opener.

It appears as if keeping Ward out of the final two preseason games is just a precaution so that he is ready for the start of the regular season. Ward is coming off of a 43-point (21G / 22A) year in his debut season with the Sharks.

Joel Ward
Ward (undisclosed) will return to the Sharks lineup on Thursday.

Ward missed Tuesday’s game in Vancouver, but he will return tonight. There is no indication what was ailing Ward, but it obviously wasn’t serious. Ward has 21 goals and 21 assists (42 points) in 74 games this season.

Joel Ward
Ward (undisclosed) will return to the Sharks lineup on Monday.

Ward has missed the last two games with an undisclosed injury, but will return to the lineup tonight. Ward has 10 goals and 13 assists (23 points) in 32 games this season.

Joel Ward
Ward (undisclosed) will not play on Sunday.

Ward will be held out of Sunday’s game with an undisclosed injury, which opens the door for Ben Smith to play in his first game since October 31st. There is no word on the nature or severity of Ward’s injury, but he is listed as day-to-day and questionable for Tuesday’s contest. With the Christmas break looming, he could be held out of that game just to give him and additional six days of rest.

Joel Ward
Joel Ward said today’s skate is the best he’s felt so far, still uncertain whether he will try to play Saturday vs. Bruins. #Caps

Ward has missed the last eight games with a knee injury. It would be beneficial for him to get back into the lineup to get back up to game speed before jumping into playoff action.

Joel Ward
Joel Ward took part in the Washington Capitals’ morning skate Thursday but will not play against the Ottawa Senators.

Ward will miss his eighth straight game with a bruised left knee suffered when he blocked a shot from Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Sami Salo on April 7. He has skated gingerly a few times solo since then, but Thursday appeared to mark some progress.

Joel Ward
Joel Ward was not on the ice for a third straight day after “hurting pretty good” from a slap shot Sunday night.

Ward has not skated since blocking a shot from Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Sami Salo. Coach Adam Oates said he didn’t know how long the right wing would be out.

Joel Ward