The San Jose Sharks appear to be a much more balanced team thus far in 2015-16, and one of the major pieces has been Joel Ward. Ward, who is widely considered to be a good, honest player, is exactly the kind of presence the Sharks have been lacking in recent years.
Thus far, Ward’s play on the ice has exceeded all expectations as he leads San Jose in goals (five) and points (eight) through the Sharks first eight games. Ward has been a permanent fixture on San Jose’s second-line, and he’s provided a physical presence that has not existed on that line in quite some time.