Boston, MA -- (Sports Network) - The Boston Bruins traded defenseman Aaron Ward to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday, receiving right wing Patrick Eaves and a fourth-round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft in return.

Boston then waived Eaves for the purpose of buying out his contract.

Ward spent the past two-plus seasons with the Bruins, who acquired him from the New York Rangers at the 2007 trade deadline. He notched three goals and seven assists in 65 games last season, adding a goal in 11 playoff games.

The 36-year-old veteran was selected by the Winnipeg Jets, currently the Phoenix Coyotes, with the fifth overall pick of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. He has 43 goals and 95 assists for 138 points in 762 NHL games for Detroit, Carolina, the Rangers and Bruins.

Ward has also been a member of three Stanley Cup championship teams, winning with Detroit in 1997 and '98, then with Carolina in 2006.

Eaves registered six goals and eight assists for 14 points in 74 games last season with the Hurricanes. He added a goal and two assists in 18 playoff games, helping Carolina reach the Eastern Conference finals.

The 25-year-old Boston College product has appeared in 242 NHL games with Carolina and Ottawa, compiling 45 goals and 45 assists for 90 points. He was selected by the Senators with the 29th overall pick of the 2003 draft.