He has played 336 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

He played 186 career NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens, the New York Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings, scoring 20 goals and 28 assists for 48 points.

When he was traded to the Kings, the deal sent agitator Sean Avery to the Rangers providing them boost for a playoff push.

In order to maintain game shape, Ward voluntarily took on a position as an assistant coach for the major junior team Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League while on the lookout for a new contract.

On November 15, 2010, Ward signed a one-year contract and played his last professional season with Austrian team EHC Black Wings Linz of the EBEL.