The Nashville Predators were able to lock up one of their key free agents by signing Joel Ward to a new two-year contract at a total value of $3.0 million (according to TSN) this afternoon. It's interesting that in terms of salary, Ward got exactly what GM David Poile said he was asking for a few days ago, a 200% raise over last year's $500K.

Check out his profile for a look at how Ward came out of nowhere to fill a number of valuable roles on the Predators last season.

Joel Ward

#29 / Right Wing / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-2

Weight: 205

Born: Dec 02, 1980

The following just came across the wire from the team:

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed Joel Ward to a two-year, $3 million contract.

Ward, 28 (12/2/80), posted 35 points (17g-18a) in 79 games with Nashville in 2008-09, his first full National Hockey League season. His goal total tied for fourth on the club, and the Predators posted a 10-2-2 record when the 6-1, 220-pound right wing scored a goal. The Toronto, Ont., native also tied for eighth among NHL forwards in blocked shots (69), and fourth on the club in average shorthanded ice time.

Prior to signing with Nashville, Ward spent three seasons in the Minnesota organization, playing 11 NHL games with the Wild in 2006-07 (0g-1a-1pt) and 209 AHL games with the Houston Aeros (38g-48a-86pts). He is a graduate of the University of Prince Edward Island, where he played four seasons for the Panthers (2001-05), notching 135 points (76g-76a) in 96 games.