Following his years at the University of Michigan, Ward had brief stint with Canada's National Team and in the summer of 1993 had his rights traded to the Red Wings. After three full seasons of playing with the Adirondack Red Wings in the AHL, Ward finally cracked the Detroit lineup in 1996. Known as a defensive defenseman, Ward was a mainstay on the Red Wings' defense for five seasons and has a pair of Stanley Cup rings from 1997 and 1998.

After eight seasons in the Red Wings' organization, Ward signed as a free agent with the Carolina Hurricanes in the summer of 2001 and became one of the team's more durable defenseman. In 2001-02, Ward was key contributor in helping the Hurricanes reach their first ever Stanley Cup finals. Despite their best efforts, Ward and the Canes fell short in their attempt to capture Lord Stanley's Cup against a talented Red Wings team.

In 2005-06, Ward competed in all 25 playoff games en route to the Hurricanes first Stanley Cup. The following summer, Ward signed as a free agent with the New York Rangers.

In the Big Apple, Ward failed to meet what was expected of him as he only managed to record 13 points in 60 games played. The Rangers struggled in the 2006-07 regular season and decided to send Ward to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Paul Mara.

On March 3, 2010, the NHL trade deadline, Ward was traded to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for goaltender Justin Pogge and a conditional draft choice.