{allcanada} Chicago Blackhawks acquire Andrew Ladd from Winnipeg Jets

 

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The Chicago Blackhawks have acquired winger Andrew Ladd in a trade with the Winnipeg Jets. The Blackhawks sent forward Marko Dano, a 2016 first-round draft pick and a 2018 conditional third-round draft pick to the Jets in exchange for the Jets captain.

The Jets will retain 36% of Ladd's remaining salary for this season and the third-round pick is conditional on the Blackhawks winning a Stanley Cup. American Hockey League players Jay Harrison and Matt Fraser were also sent to Chicago in the deal and will be assigned to the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate in Rockford, Ill.

Why the Blackhawks made the trade: Ladd was part of Chicago's 2010 Stanley Cup championship team, but was traded to the then-Atlanta Thrashers after that Cup win as the Blackhawks got into a salary cap crunch. So, he knows the organization well. The Blackhawks were reportedly in the market for a top-line winger to play alongside center Jonathan Toews and forward Marian Hossa, and Ladd likely will step into that role. This season, Ladd has recorded 17 goals and 17 assists in 59 games with the Jets. He is a strong north-south player who's good on the forecheck and his physical presence in front of the net will give the Blackhawks more scoring opportunities. He's a leader and had been the Jets' captain since 2011.

Why the Jets made the trade: Ladd, 30, is a pending unrestricted free agent on July 1. After signing Dustin Byfuglien to a five-year, $38 million contract earlier this month, it seemed like the Jets priced themselves out of keeping Ladd. Dano, 21, couldn't quite keep up with the team's speed after being acquired by the Blackhawks last summer in the trade that sent forward Brandon Saad to the Columbus Blue Jackets. With some development by the Jets he could eventually emerge as a solid contributor. While the Blackhawks' first-round pick won't be high, it will give the Jets a chance to add a key piece for their future.

Key stat: Ladd appeared in 348 of 352 games for the Thrashers/Jets during his time in the organization, showing his durability.

Odd fact: With Dano gone, the Blackhawks have parted with three of the four main players they acquired in their major offseason trades. Trevor Daley and Ryan Garbutt, picked up from the Dallas Stars in the Patrick Sharp/Johnny Oduya trade, were dealt earlier to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks, respectively. Former Blue Jacket Artem Anisimov, who plays on the Patrick Kane line, is the only key player left from the offseason deals.

Last word: That the Blackhawks were able to acquire Ladd without giving up a young player on their roster, such as Teuvo Teravainen, is a testament to how good general manager Stan Bowman is, and why Chicago continues to be the team to beat in the NHL. After three Cups in six seasons, the Blackhawks know what it takes to win and aren't afraid to make bold moves, such as parting with a first-round pick, to get themselves back to the Final.

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