Flames trending toward retaining Geoff Ward as head coach

The Calgary Flames are one of four NHL teams that currently employs an interim head coach, having appointed Geoff Ward back on Nov. 29.

Ward went on to guide the Flames to a 24-15-3 record during the regular season before taking Calgary to the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where it was eliminated by the Dallas Stars in six games.

"Word is beginning to seep out that it's trending towards Geoff Ward returning as the head coach of the team for next season," Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said during the Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday.

Friedman twice reiterated that there is "no comment" from the Flames about the future of the head coaching job.

Should Ward be hired as the full-time coach by the Flames, only three teams would not have a permanent head coach. The Dallas Stars, Washington Capitals and San Jose Sharks have yet to appoint anyone.

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