The Washington Capitals know it’s part of the business: Some players move on to other teams in free agency. But Tuesday night will be strange nonetheless, when winger Joel Ward, beloved in the Capitals dressing room for four seasons, is wearing a San Jose Sharks jersey at Verizon Center.
Jason Chimera jokingly looked up to the ceiling, pretending to hold back the emotions of seeing his longtime linemate again.
“Oh, I’ll hit him. For sure,” Chimera said, apparently snapping out of whatever sentimental feelings he had. “He won’t fight me because he’s not a fighter; he’s a lover.