Heading from a hockey outpost to a hockey hotbed, Atlanta Thrashers captain Andrew Ladd is well aware that life is about to change.
But he readily acknowledges that he isn't entirely sure what to expect now that the team is on its way to Winnipeg.
"It's probably going to be bigger than most guys think," Ladd told The Canadian Press on Tuesday. "I think not having (NHL) hockey there for 15 years, it's kind of built up and built up to the point where I'm sure they're ready to blow the doors off the hinges and get this thing going."
The 25-year-old winger from Maple Ridge, B.C., led the Thrashers in scoring last season with 29 goals and 59 points in 81 games. He's looking forward to the heightened expectations in a hockey-mad market.
"I think everyone wants to be able to play in Canada where they just have that passion for the game," said Ladd, a two-time Stanley Cup champion. "There's a little extra pressure and attention, but for me I like that part of it. You can definitely thrive on it and use it to your advantage."
Ladd is a restricted free agent, but doesn't think the move will have an impact on contract negotiations.
His agent, J.P. Barry of CAA Sports, hasn't had discussions with GM Rick Dudley in over a month. Ladd is interested in learning more about what vision new owners Mark Chipman and David Thomson have for the franchise.
"Obviously, you still want to know which direction everything's headed," he said. "It's kind of been in limbo because we were negotiating towards the end of the year for a couple months and then with the ownership situation it's kind of been stalled. As players, you're not sure with new ownership coming in what they're going to want to do and where you fit in or that sort of thing.
"We're just kind of waiting to see what happens and get some answers on what's going on."
It remains to be seen if the Jets name will be revived for the franchise. Ladd would like to see that happen.
"For me, I think the old school jerseys and the name 'Jets' is pretty cool," he said. "It would be fun to be a part of that again."
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