Andrew Ladd Traded to Chicago

by

The Winnipeg Jets have traded captain Andrew Ladd to the Chicago Blackhawks, according to a report from TSN’s Darren Dreger.

The trade involves four players and a draft pick, and takes the biggest forward name likely to be moved off the market.

Headed to Winnipeg is forward Marko Dano, a 1st round draft pick in 2016 and a conditional draft pick. That condition is that Chicago forfeits a 3rd round pick in 2018 if they win the Stanley Cup, according to ESPN’s Craig Custance. If they do not win a Cup, there is no draft pick.

Coming back to Chicago with Ladd is 6-foot-4 defenseman Jay Harrison and 24-year-old forward Matt Fraser. Additionally, Winnipeg will retain 36 percent of Ladd’s contract.

A Return

Ladd previously played for the Blackhawks from 2008-10, winning a Stanley Cup with the team in 2010. He was one of the team’s cap casualties at that time, along with former Jets teammate Dustin Byfuglien. Ladd will be given a chance to come back and win another with a team he’s familiar with.

That familiarity may make Ladd additionally worth the price. It’s not rare to see players struggle to adapt after a trade — see Antoine Vermette last seasons — but the former Winnipeg captain may be able to adapt quickly since he’s familiar with many of the players, the coach and the system in Chicago.

Ladd fits perfectly with Chicago’s needs, giving them a left wing who can step up onto a line with Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa. He will further cement their status as having one of the most lethal top six groups in the NHL.

It’s an investment for Chicago, even with Winnipeg retaining 36 percent of Ladd’s salary. There are a few ways the money can work out, depending on if Chicago brings Harrison into the NHL organization or if they bury him with the Rockford IceHogs in an ongoing basis. For the time being, both Fraser and Harrison are being assigned to Rockford.

Here’s where Chicago stands with four days until the trade deadline.
https://twitter.com/generalfanager/status/703025399542980608

The money is tight in Chicago, but they may be able to pull off another trade if they can work with a partner who is able to take back some salary. They may look to clear either Bryan Bickell or Rob Scuderi off the books. Both are currently playing for AHL Rockford.

To Winnipeg

The only player headed to Winnipeg is Dano. He was acquired by Chicago before the start of the season as a part of the trade that sent Brandon Saad to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Dano has played 13 games in the NHL this season, scoring one goal and one assist.

Through 34 games with AHL Rockford, he’s posted four goals and 19 assists. Dano’s been moved a lot for a player who hasn’t yet become a full-time NHLer. But he’s being moved not due to a lack of success, but because his skills are being highly valued by GMs around the league. He should be a nice addition to a dangerous group of young prospects in Winnipeg.

UPDATE:
The trade has been confirmed.