Vagrant
The Czech Condor
There's an argument to keep Ward instead of Lack next year. If we should ever make the playoffs again, having Ward's playoff experience could be useful.
The only issue will be gauging if Ward can truly buy in to the concept of being a supportive backup and ceding the net to Darling in more ways than just physically. I'm not totally convinced that Ward recognizes that he's not starter caliber anymore, and having a backup that is disenchanted with being a backup can be a pretty toxic situation if personalities clash. Ward is a professional, but Lack certainly has that goofball personality that endears him to the other half of his goalie tandem. All things being equal, maybe you take the guy who makes the dressing room a little lighter. Plus, cutting the last cord from the 05-06 team might actually be a good thing for all parties. I wouldn't be upset at the decision either way, but it's a decision for sure.